Anthills of the Savannah

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   bmadnick Teacher
   High School - 11th Grade

   Achebe's portrayal of women in this novel suggests that he believes women must play a vital role in the growth of new African societies. The women are able to maintain a connection with their heritage and culture in the midst of injustice and political strife. They also provide the moral strength needed to get through the problems their society is facing. Ikem tells Beatrice how he has found a new respect for women regarding their relevance and role in contemporary society. He feels women, historically the most oppressed people in the world, must be recognized as necessary to building the future of a nation. The lines between the genders become blurred. At the end of the novel, Beatrice presides over the naming ceremony of Elewa's baby girl. Traditionally, naming a child has been the role of men to perform. The baby is also given a boy's name. Achebe depicts the women in his novel as strong characters.

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   Posted by bmadnick on Monday September 17, 2007 at 4:45 PM
   
   

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