Essay Outline: Gender in Things Fall Apart

Thesis: Things Fall Apart may render gender ambivalence and withhold prominent gender roles, which if understood will enlist a greater understanding surrounding the contextual connotations of the novel, and the salient values of Igbo society.

Topic Sentence 1: In order to fully adhere to the themes, motifs and conceptual understandings pertaining to Things Fall Apart, an understanding of the gender roles embedded in the novel must be established.

• Discuss how gender roles provides a greater grasp regarding the motifs and themes within the novel.

Topic Sentence 2:  Moreover, an understanding of the patriarchal Igbo society will ultimately broaden the reader’s apprehension of Igbo social structure, values and political system.

• Discuss how an understanding of the patriarchal hierarchy in Igbo society allows the readers to conceptualize an enhanced understanding of Igbo politics.

Topic Sentence 3:  Henceforth, contextual and cultural knowledge surrounding the text can be achieved through appreciating the role gender and belief plays in their society.

• Discuss how the authentic elements of Things Fall Apart can be unraveled when appreciating gender roles within the text.