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Rocco Balistreri
Ms. Fiore
English 2H Block 2
7 October 2021

Mother is Supreme

Things Fall Apart By Chinua Achebe

Quote “A man belongs to his fatherland when things are good and life is
sweet. But when there is sorrow and bitterness he finds refuge in his
motherland. Your mother is there to protect you. She is buried here.
And that is why we say that mother is supreme” (Achebe 134).

Context Okonkwo has been banished from his tribe and left with no choice but
to choose. He must choose another place for him and his family to
reside; and he decides on his mother’s homeland. Upon his arrival,
Okonkwo is challenged by a wise man of the land. Okonkwo is
characterized for his manliness and lack of acceptance towards
cowardly or “womanly” traits. Thus being so, the old man is determined
to teach Okonkwo a lesson.

Analysis Throughout the entire story, the author conveys constant emphasis on
the motif of patriarchy. Endless examples are provided expressing how
women of the villages are unquestionably seen as lesser than the men.
However, such a motif is bashed by the words of the old man. He does
not focus on the challenging of men’s superiority, rather the importance
of recognition towards the women (or in his examples mothers) of the
land. He strongly exemplifies justification towards why “mother is
supreme” which no one listening is able to contest. His unchallenged
opinion validates his wisdom. Once his wisdom has been further
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renowned, he continues to express his belief that Okonkwo’s

banishment was nowhere near a colossal suffering. It can be inferred
that the old man sees Okonkwo’s banishment as an opportunity for him
to learn. Conclusively, the author’s display of the old man’s wisdom
supports his challenging of the motif of patriarchy.

Connection This is very relatable to the change taking place amongst social
standards in today’s society. Like the purpose of the old man’s
preaching, women in today’s society are far more valued than in
society’s of the past. Women are greater respected and no longer seen as
lesser by a far greater margin than in the past.

Questions What was the overall purpose of the old man scolding Okonkwo?
Did the old man’s lecture have more than one overall message?