The short story- A Silent Song Essay
Relationships in contemporary society are defined by pretence and deceit. Basing your illustrations on Abioseh Nicol's The Truly Married Woman, write an essay to qualify the assertion.
In contemporary society, relationships are often defined by pretence and deceit. People project false images of themselves to impress those around them. Abioseh Nicol's The Truly Married Woman in the short story A Silent Song explores this idea in depth.
To begin with, Ayo's true feelings about sex are revealed. Ajayi and Ayo have been together for twelve years, maintaining a sexually active relationship, though they are unmarried. Ajayi often referred to Ayo as a mistress rather than a wife, even though she had already given him three children and was pregnant with a fourth. Their relationship, although against Ayo's parents' wishes, seemed stable until the prospect of marriage came into the picture. When the couple discussed their wedding plans, Ayo changed her attitude towards intimacy. That same evening, Ajayi, excited by the idea of marriage, pulled Ayo close, but she shyly resisted, telling him they should wait until after the wedding. Surprised, Ajayi complied, retreating out of respect for her wishes. This sudden change in Ayo's behaviour highlights how pretence begins to surface in their relationship as they plan to formalize their union.
Secondly, envy is revealed in Ajayi's sister. While most of Ajayi's family welcomed the idea of the wedding, his sister felt threatened by Ayo's potential elevation in family status. She advised Ajayi to consult a soothsayer to see what the future held. Ayo, learning of this, preemptively visited the soothsayer herself and ensured a favourable outcome. When Ajayi and his sister went to the soothsayer later, they were told of a happy future for Ajayi's marriage, much to his sister's dismay. The soothsayer's refusal to meet the sister's eye and her bitter acceptance of the prediction underscores the deceit and envy that fuel her opposition to the marriage.
Thirdly, Omo, Ayo's neighbour, also displays envy. Although Omo and Ayo had a cordial relationship, with Omo frequently lending Ayo her wedding ring when needed, things changed when Ayo's wedding became a reality. Omo's demeanour turned cold, particularly when Ayo showed her the wedding presents Ajayi had given her. Omo's jealousy and anger were palpable as she criticized Ayo's choice of attire, arguing that the revealing outfit was inappropriate. Ayo countered that Ajayi had reassured her that Hollywood actresses wore similar clothing, but Omo dismissed the dress as embarrassing. Her reaction reveals the envy she harbours toward Ayo's impending marriage.
Finally, Ayo's behaviour after the wedding showcases the presence of deceit in their relationship. Before the wedding, Ayo was diligent in preparing breakfast for Ajayi every morning, but this changed abruptly after they were married. Ajayi, accustomed to his morning tea, was surprised to find none the day after the wedding. When he asked Ayo about it, she rudely suggested he make it himself, declaring that as a "truly married woman," she deserved more respect. Her tone and attitude toward Ajayi shifted drastically, reflecting the change in dynamics that marriage had brought to their relationship.
Additionally, when Ajayi received a visit from Olsen and his team from the World Gospel Crusading Alliance (WGCA), the couple's pretence was further highlighted. Ajayi hurriedly sent a messenger to warn Ayo of the guests' arrival, and Ayo sprang into action, cleaning the house and borrowing a wedding ring to maintain an image of propriety. She hid wine glasses and magazines with scantily clad women, replacing them with religious ones, all to create the appearance of an organized, religious household. This carefully curated image was a façade meant to impress their guests, underscoring the theme of deceit.
Ajayi's decision to marry Ayo was also rooted in appearances. After Olsen took a family photo for a magazine, Ajayi realized that their image would be seen by millions of Americans, prompting him to formalize his relationship with Ayo. For twelve years, Ajayi had been content with their informal arrangement, but the prospect of public recognition and the desire to appear as a "God-loving family" motivated him to pursue marriage. This decision was less about love and more about maintaining a respectable image in the eyes of others.
In conclusion, in The Truly Married Woman, Abioseh Nicol demonstrates how relationships in contemporary society are often built on pretence and deceit. Through the characters' actions and motivations, the story reveals the lengths to which people will go to maintain appearances, even at the expense of their true feelings and desires.