The Role of Women in " a Grain of Wheat " Essay

Words: 1215
Pages: 5
Open Document
The role of women in "A grain of wheat " Though being a political narrative, the presence of women to strengthen the quality and reality of the novel is undeniable. Critic Abdulzarak Gurnah says: "Ngugi's writing is never far from the subject" and this is perfectly applicable for his description of the African women. However, being rather objective he also points a picture of the white women who though being secondary characters play a certain role in the novel.

Ngugi through the depiction of the ideal patriotic women pays great tribute to the African women especially in those dark days. The strength and courage of certain black women is incontestable in relating the fight for freedom. Ngugi through the persons of Wambui and …show more content…
We notes that Mumbi accepts everything from the part of Gikonyo but loses her control when he touched the child, "Mumbi stood up, and for a minute anger blocked her throat." Further the last words of the novel are dedicated to that of a woman and a child, "I shall carve a woman big-big with a child." These words are symbolical since Ngugi uses the word "big" twice to express the grandeur and strength of the African woman who is incomplete without a child.

So as not to fall into extremes, Ngugi did leave some traces of weakness in the portrayal of the black characters. Despite her strength and determination, Mumbi is preyed to temptations as everybody else when she gives herself to Karanja only a few months before Gikonyo arrives. Her weakness on that particular moment with Karanja also serves to illustrate the mood of the Emergency period which consisted of fears, tensions as well as hopes. Such fears and tensions also led to victims of the system who were not strong enough to face the atrocity of reality. Ngugi uses Wambuku who "destroyed herself with soldiers and homeguards, any man" to illustrate how all women were not as strong as others during the Emergency period.

Moreover the role of women in "A grain of wheat", not only implies black characters but
Show More

Related Documents: The Role of Women in " a Grain of Wheat " Essay

Essay On Homemade Food

Eat homemade food often Food consumption patterns and dietary habits in the Gulf countries have been changed during the past four decades, includes both quantitative and qualitative change in diet. Now, they are consuming more calories than they did in the past. Also, the composition of diet has changed towards a high-energy-density diet with higher intake of fat specially saturated fat (mostly from animal origin), Trans-fatty acids, added sugar and sodium and lower intake of dietary fiber, fruits…

Words 2772 - Pages 12

wciv week 1 Essay

where the rise of agriculture is associated with. Instead of being foragers an scavengers, people decided to raise crops and domesticate animals to help with their civilizations. We learn that there is a set role for the men and the women where the men would hunt and gather food while the women would take care of tasks at home. Gathering and cooking, they were responsible for…

Words 391 - Pages 2

A Look At Demeter's Role In Greek Mythology

Her symbols are a mature women and sheaves of grain. She was associated with the underworld. Demeter was the goddess of fertility and agriculture. She was an important goddess for farmers and women. The Thesmophoria was a festival for only women that was dedicated to Demeter. She named Triptolemus her ambassador to men. In ancient art Demeter was pictured wearing a wreath made of ears…

Words 618 - Pages 3

Write Up Essay

of your grain products whole grain each day. M Grain Products • Eat a variety of whole grains such as barley, brown rice, oats, quinoa and wild rice. • Enjoy whole grain breads, oatmeal or whole wheat pasta. 3 4 6 6 7 6-7 8 6 7 Bread 1 slice (35g) Bagel 1 ⁄ bagel (45 g) 2 Cooked rice, Flat breads 1 ⁄ pita or 1⁄2 tortilla (35 g) bulgur or quinoa 2 2 125 mL (1⁄ cup) Cereal Cold: 30 g Hot: 175 mL (3⁄ cup) 4 Cooked pasta or couscous 2 125 mL (1⁄ cup) 4 hoose grain products…

Words 1667 - Pages 7

Essay on Marketing Plan

produced a new product which is an energy bar, BBBAR. The energy bar is providing a high concentration of carbohydrates, proteins andfats. BB BAR is made from cereal, whole grain wheat, milk, and nuts. It consist muchnutrition which can provide us with a combination of essential nutrients like fiber,vitamins and minerals. Whole grain foods play an important diet in our daily life whichwas selling at RM2.99 per bar. Marketing Mix Marketing mix strategy is a set of controllable tactical marketing tools…

Words 2192 - Pages 9

Gods: Nutrition and Health Essay

is particularly popular among Cantonese people who enjoy slow-cooked soups. Bran is present in and may be milled from any cereal grain, including rice, wheat, maize, oats, and millet. Whole grains are believed to be nutritionally superior to refined grains. Common whole grain products include oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole wheat flour, sprouted grains and whole wheat bread. Fredrick Berin (1988). Chinese Food Therapy . American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 48 (3), pp.211 “Health Lifestyle…

Words 2001 - Pages 9

Essay about Nutrition and Pregnancy

differences and the similarities in nutritional and energy requirements of my two chosen groups. And those are Pregnant Women and Breast feeding mothers. Nnutritional and energy requirements, comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between the two groups for each nutrient, and for energy. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It is very important for pregnant women to understand what kind of food is best for them as well as their baby, because you would need the full requirements…

Words 945 - Pages 4

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Through Proper Nutrition and Exercise Essay example

type 2 diabetes (Rogers, 2007). The third physical activity is flexibility exercises. These exercises have a significant role in the regulation of blood glucose, as it helps improve insulin action, metabolism of proteins and fats, which helps assist in the prevention of diabetes (Polikandrioti & Dokoutsidou, 2009). Physical activity plays an important role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. It is said that more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening…

Words 1760 - Pages 8

Mesopotamia Rivers

miles. The areas that spanned 7 miles on both banks of river were capable of producing plentiful harvests. Flooding was gradual in contrast to Mesopotamian Rivers. Like Mesopotamia, Egypt was a river valley civilization. The Nile River played a key role in the development of Egypt’s agriculture and economy. The civilization of Ancient Egypt was indebted to the Nile River and its dependable seasonal flooding. The river’s predictability and the fertile soil allowed the Egyptians to build an empire on…

Words 704 - Pages 3

Difference Between Economic Growth And Economic Development

colonists, independent city-states, mercantile peoples, alphabet, foster trade-established colonies, sailors/skillful merchants-sailed Atlantic for tin and may have circumnavigated of Africa Greeks- originally cultivators, fertile agricultural regions-grain, served as markets/trade centers---market system, grapes/olives=wine/oil (more valuable), potters/metal workers, sailors/merchants, banking, insurance, joint-stock ventures, COINAGE-standard of account, medium of exchange Romans- originally agricultural…

Words 2130 - Pages 9