Note #24

How does an understanding of gender influence how the text may be understood?

The exposition and comprehension of gender dynamics in the novel allows the readers to familiarize themselves with the context of the events in the novel and approach them objectively.

• Events portraying the extremities of violence against women can revolt modern-day readers and skew their perspective on the novel. Hence prior knowledge of the context and a receptive approach to the novel can help rectify this possible misconception.
  
• It is crucial to understand that in a tight knit community like the Igbo, societal conventions governed the conduct of characters and compelled them to behave the way they did. Okonkwo's hypermasculinity serves as a stellar exemplar of this phenomenon.