The law regarding bride-price in "Things Fall Apart" dictates that if a woman leaves her husband, the bride-price should generally be returned. However, in the case of Uzowulu and Mgbafo, the egwugwu rule that the bride-price need not be returned due to Uzowulu's abusive behavior, which caused Mgbafo to miscarry. Despite the usual expectation of returning the bride-price, abuse justifies an exception, highlighting the community's stance against domestic violence.

In the Igbo society depicted in Things Fall Apart, terms like "Agadi-nwayi" (old woman) and "Agbala" (woman, or a man without titles) highlight women's roles and status. Women gain status primarily through marriage and childbearing, particularly sons. An "agbala" signifies weakness when applied to men, underscoring male-dominated hierarchies. Women achieve respect by surviving into old age or through religious roles, like the priestess Chielo, reflecting their limited but significant societal influence.

The Ibo's marriage and family system is patriarchal, centered around the father, with polygamy being a sign of wealth and status. Okonkwo, a main character, has three wives, each with her own hut within his compound. The hierarchy among wives is evident, with the first wife receiving special privileges. Marriage is a family affair, involving the suitor seeking the bride's father's approval. Women are expected to work hard alongside men, maintaining household and agricultural duties.

In "Things Fall Apart," Umuofia women have minimal influence in decisions regarding a clanwoman's murder, as these are primarily male-driven. However, two women, the Priestess and the old medicine woman, play crucial roles. The old medicine woman's presence and the Oracle's guidance, led by the Priestess, have the power to avert war, demonstrating that women can influence decisions through religious and mystical means, instilling psychological fear in the men.

In Ibo culture, women have significant domestic responsibilities, including cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing, often under challenging conditions such as polygamy and potential domestic violence. Despite societal limitations, women exhibit strength through endurance and moral resilience. They play a crucial religious role, exemplified by the priestess Chielo, whose spiritual authority provides her with a status equal to or surpassing men. Thus, women are integral to Ibo society, balancing traditional roles with spiritual influence.

In Chapter 14, Uchendu emphasizes the importance of women by explaining that Okonkwo's exile to his mother's tribe in Mbanta signifies the cultural belief that women offer protection and solace. Uchendu highlights this by discussing why children are often named Nneka (Mother is Supreme), underscoring the idea that while children belong to their fathers, mothers provide care and comfort in times of distress, illustrating the protective role women play in society.

The world depicted is oppressively patriarchal, as men exert significant control over women. Okonkwo, the protagonist, is domineering and often cruel to his wives, especially the youngest. His violent actions are criticized not for their brutality but because they occur during a sacred time, highlighting the society's acceptance of male dominance and violence against women, except at inappropriate times. This underscores the ingrained patriarchal oppression within the society.

In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, women's roles are complex, highlighting both subservience and subtle strength. Traditionally, women are seen as caretakers with limited rights, subjected to male authority and often violence. However, characters like Ekwefi and Ezinma exhibit resilience and influence, challenging their expected roles. Despite societal norms labeling women as inferior, the novel reveals their essential contributions to family and community life, underscoring their central, albeit understated, status in Igbo culture.

1. Achebe's depiction of femininity is mostly centered around tribal African women, although he does include a Westernized character (Ekwefi). 2. Tribal African women were prized for their fertility, communal domestic roles, and spiritual guidance. But, the ways in which the 20th century Westerner defines femininity is very different than the 19th century pre-colonial. As such, typical feminine traits such as empathy, compassion, and sensitivity are not fully developed in the novel. Rather, the Ibo women are prized for their fertility, communal domestic roles, and spiritual guidance. 3.

In Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart, women in Igbo society occupy a secondary position, primarily seen through the lens of patriarchal control and traditional gender roles. Men are the providers and rulers, while women manage the domestic sphere and bear children. Although women are often marginalized and viewed as commodities, they play crucial roles in maintaining family and community harmony. Despite their limited power, women hold spiritual significance, as seen in the roles of priestesses and the reverence for the earth goddess.