A Woman’s Journey: An Exploration of Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia’s The Son of the House

Abstract

The woman in colonial times suffered the double yoke of oppression by colonialism and patriarchy, which placed her in the position of servitude, invisibility, and passivity. However, women in contemporary times have transited from the position to that of visibility and independence. Adopting the African feminist theory, whose aim is the emancipation of women from the yoke of patriarchy and giving women a voice while upholding core African beliefs and culture, the study explores the woman’s journey to independence as exemplified in Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia’s The Son of the House (2019). The study observes that the woman has made tremendous achievements in her quest for agency and selfhood. The feat is achieved through determination, endurance, strong bonds of friendship and support from the male folk. Furthermore, while playing their roles as dutiful wives and mothers, the women develop themselves and contribute to the welfare of their families and communities. The study concludes that complementarity between the sexes is vital for the progress, peace, and unity of all societies; hence, the need for all, irrespective of sex, to join hands towards attaining an egalitarian society.