ADMIN
[COMPANY NAME]
, QUESTION 1 African literature abounds stories of repression of
children by the head of the family as far as decision making that
affects their lives is concerned. Discuss this statement with
reference to literary texts in your African language. Do not copy
direct from the study guide. Rephrase your answer.
Repression of Children in African Family Decision-Making: A
Literary Exploration
African literature often depicts the challenging dynamics between
children and their families, especially regarding decision-making
processes that significantly impact their lives. These narratives
highlight how children’s voices are frequently marginalized or
suppressed by familial authority figures. This essay explores this
theme by examining examples from African literature, illustrating
the tension between generational authority and the rights or
desires of younger family members.
Traditional Authority and Child Repression
In many African societies, family structures are traditionally
hierarchical, with decisions predominantly made by the head of
the family, often a father or an elder male relative. This dynamic
is vividly portrayed in various African literary works, where the
authority of these figures often leads to the repression of
children’s aspirations and desires.
For instance, in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the
patriarchal society places significant power in the hands of the
male head of the family, resulting in the suppression of children’s
autonomy. The character of Okonkwo, the protagonist, enforces
strict adherence to traditional values and expectations, often at the
expense of his children’s personal freedoms. Okonkwo’s son,
