Analysis Of The Joys Of Motherhood

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“The Joys of Motherhood” by Buchi Emecheta reveals an interesting struggle between one’s own core values and the core values of others. The protagonist Nnu Ego begins her journey of self-discovery alone and barren. It is not until later that she sees being barren as a gift and being fertile as a burden. This drastic shift is brought on by her move from Ibuza to Lagos and the difference in culture she is exposed to as time progresses. In the novel, Nnu Ego faces obstacles that relate to changing gender roles in the community of Lagos, resulting in the shift of her beliefs from those established by her upbringing in Ibuza.
Nnu Ego’s core value of family stems from her upbringing in Ibuza, where the women help the men of the household provide for their family, in addition the women take care of the children. The most demanded child is a son, to inherit the land and uphold the family name, whereas daughters are used to enhance the males social standing and ego with a bride price. There is a contrasting family dynamic in the beginning of “The Joys of Motherhood” versus in the end. In the opening chapters, the men have multiple wives, and the eldest wife gets the “privilege” to take care for all of the children (even those from other …show more content…

In the beginning of the novel Nnu Ego want nothing more than do have her own child to look after, and a husband who loves her. However, she quickly realizes it is harder that in seems to be fertile when a god is against you, and to be loved by her husband when one is infertile or the husband can’t support his family. The final result of motherhood on Nnu Ego is loneliness and shame. As a result, she does not want to force anyone to bear the same burden she did, and that is why she fails to answer the prayers of others for fruitfulness. She doesn’t want anyone else to die

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