Emecheta & Nwapa. Traditional Roles from a Feminine Perspective in Nigerian Women Writers

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution of traditional female roles in Nigerian Women’s writing. Focusing the debate in marriage and motherhood. Based on two contemporary novels by Igbo female authors from two different generations, Flora Nwapa, Efuru (1966) and Buchi Emecheta The Joys of Motherhood (1979). From the patriarchal discourse in the subsequent years of postcolonialism, an evaluation can be observed in how marriage and motherhood has been developed. Efuru explores the possible alternative to motherhood and marriage offering a women-independent solution, achieving fulfillment from their own election, not only in the fact of conceiving children but also in the election of marriage. Ironically, The Joys of Motherhood is an answer to Efuru, which shows that the joys which the Nigerian Igbo society pretends to demonstrate hides threat, vexations and contempt towards women. This study suggests a reexamination of African female voice which neither show the reality of the African female collective nor answer their demands.