Marriage is a valued cultural and religious practice in most African communities.
Using relevant illustrations from The Truly Married Woman by Abioseh Nicol, write an essay in support of this statement.
Introduction
Marriage is a significant cultural and religious practice in many African communities, playing a crucial role in uniting individuals and preventing moral decay within society. This is echoed in "The Truly Married Woman" by Abioseh Nicol through the lives of Ayo and Ajayi as discussed below:
Body
The story portrays Ayo and Ajayi, who have been cohabiting for fourteen years without formalizing their union through marriage. Ajayi's treatment of Ayo as a mistress rather than a wife exemplifies the societal disapproval of such arrangements. Ayo, despite the lack of official recognition, remains patient and hopeful that Ajayi will eventually marry her. This portrayal reflects the prevailing societal belief that cohabitation alone does not constitute a marital bond.
Religious institutions also play a significant role in reinforcing the value of marriage. The priest in the story vehemently speaks out against unmarried couples cohabiting, emphasizing the religious and societal expectation of formalizing relationships through marriage. This further underscores the idea that marriage is a revered practice within the African cultural and religious framework.
Additionally, Ayo's attempts to influence Ajayi's perspective on marriage by highlighting the marital unions of her friends illustrate the societal pressure and expectations associated with formalizing relationships. Her desire to be married reflects the cultural emphasis placed on the institution of marriage and its intrinsic value within society.
Ajayi's avoidance of the church due to his non-compliance with marital expectations further reinforces the societal disapproval of informal unions. This reluctance to participate in religious ceremonies without a formal marital bond signifies the significance placed on marriage within the religious and cultural spheres.
"The Truly Married Woman" portrays various forms of love relationships, highlighting the societal expectations and norms surrounding marriage. The narrative serves as a reflection of the prevailing cultural and religious attitudes towards marriage within African communities. It underscores the belief that marriage is not only a legal or religious formality but a fundamental institution that upholds societal values and norms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Truly Married Woman" by Abioseh Nicol effectively illustrates the cultural and religious significance of marriage within African societies. Through the characters of Ayo and Ajayi, the story gives insight into the societal expectations, pressures, and norms surrounding marriage, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping relationships and upholding community values. This distinct portrayal affirms the enduring cultural and religious importance of marriage within African literature and society.
language is a maximum of 4 marks