Chinua Achebe's Akueke

Gender Roles in Chinua Achebe’s
Short Story „Akueke“



               



















Table of contents:


1 Introduction 2



2 Definition of Gender 2



3 Chapters:

    - 3.1 Characters and their relationships 3


    - 3.2 Traditional Igbo culture 4


    - 3.3 Igbo culture in postcolonial society

    - 3.4 Achebes views and motifs


    - 3.5 Criticism of Achebe

4 Conclusion











































      1 Introduction





      The story “Akueke” belongs to a collection of short stories published under the name of “Girl’s at war” in 1972. Set in postcolonial time, which was a time of great political and social changes in Nigeria. It is one of Achebe’s early works written after his widely approved novel “Things falling apart.” The story is set in Umuofia and Ezi, south-east Nigeria. Background of the story is the native Igbo culture.
      Chinua Achebe was criticised for being prejudiced against women and Jago Morrison e.g. even said: “ Chinua Achebe is a sexist writer.” To elaborate on this I will begin with giving a short definition of gender by Walby, for a better understanding of my leading question.
      In th following chapter I will examine the story itself, including characters and their gender relations. Furthermore I will continue to take a closer look at the story with respect to traditional Igbo culture. Hence I will elaborate on the changes brought to Igbo society, through colonialism and postcolonialism.
      To get a better understanding of Chinua Achebe’s motives for writing and what he wants to get across to the reader, I will analyse interviews with him, especially in terms of gender relations and the role of women in society and his works.
      Subsequently I want to take a close look on the criticism brought against Chinua Achebe, especially in terms of gender...