A Stylistic Analysis of Inter-female Relationship in Onwuchekwa’s Chinagorom

Abstract

In oral and written literature, as well as the society, it is attested that the relationship between women is usually characterized by rivalry. Previous studies (Ezeigbo, 1993, Erwierloma, 2001, Sy, 2008) have been carried out on this notion based on novels written in English, but not much have been done on the issue of inter-female relationship based on novels written in the Igbo language medium. Consequently, the present study undertakes a stylistic examination of women-to-women relationship in Onwuchekwa’s Chinagorom. This is with a view to delineating the literary techniques used to portray female characters, inter-female hostility, and inter-female bonding. The textual analysis reveals that, the author used idiomatic expressions and fitting names to portray female characters both positively and negatively. The protagonist, Chinagọrọm was presented as a married woman with strong moral convictions, unlike other women, while the antagonist, Ajughiekwu was epitomized as a villain. With respect to female hostility, the author used suspense as a technique to show that indeed, women are their own worst enemy, as some women (Ajughiekwu, Ekemma, Nweke) aimed at pushing Chinagọrọm out of her matrimonial home, based on the unproved belief that she committed adultery. In terms of female bonding, the author exemplified solidarity, sisterhood and friendship among women; Chinagọrọm mother in-law, Uloaku, unusually stood behind her daughter in-law despite the suspicion that she committed adultery, while Dr. Ayodele encouraged Chinagọrọm to further her education for her own good and also to secure her marriage. On the whole, the author made an unbiased and realistic portrayal of her female characters. The degree of inter-female hostility was high, while the degree of inter-female bonding was low. This is an admission and confirmation of the notion that women are more rivals than friends. It is recommended that women should close gaps and unite to resist the male-created patriarchy that dominates them.