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"Survival in a patriarchal Society requires a strong willed character". Justify this statement in close reference to Akoko as portrayed in the River and the source by Margaret A.Ogola.

      

The Novel:The River and the Source by Margaret A.Ogola
"Survival in a patriarchal Society requires a strong willed character,justify this statement in close reference to Akoko as portrayed in the River and the source by Margaret A.Ogola.(20 marks)

  

Answers


Martin
A strong character is one who has great self-will and determination to live in a society that is predominantly male controlled.The society in the River and the source is depicted as one in which man controls everything.It therefore,requires great determination on the part of Akoko to make any impact in the society.

When Akoko is born she cried so loudly that her father,chief Odero,thought that it was a boy.She showed a lot of determination from an early age,using her lungs to the full,hence named Akoko,meaning the noisy one,She was able to sit without support at four months,walk at seven months and speak at ten months and her first words want mine were a clear sign of her determination.

Growing up among boys,she was physically fearless and faced all challenges up with determination,no wonder a complaint from Akoko would earn one instant reprimand from her father.

During her marriage negotiations,as it was a taboo that girls should be shy,eyes on the floor and her hands on her mouth,she comes in,in calculated steps ,her head held high and her hands on the sides,looking directly on her future husband.

She threatens to sever her marriage with Owour Kembo because of the threats from her mother in law,She gathered and addressed a crowd in the absence of her husband,to return the bride price together with her people and that Owours people should return all the wealth she had accumulated over the years.She leaves but firmly orders her children to remain as they belong to their fathers clan.

When her brother-in law Otieno becomes chief and grabs his brothers wealth and Akoko's wealth,she goes to Kisuma to seek justice.This was in order for her to get what was rightfully hers and to protect the stool which was to be sat on by the young Owour.

From the above it is clear that Akoko not only survived the male dominated society but made a great contribution in the society due to her self will and a great sense of determination.
marto answered the question on June 13, 2017 at 11:44


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