Essay Example on Women's Role in Sundiata: Patriarchal Unequality Compared to Other Communities

Regarding the depiction of women and their roles in Sundiata in the Malian community, they were tagged in positions that were unequal to their male counterparts. In Sundiata, their roles are derived from their relationship with the male species who had higher ranks an authority in the society. In this paper, I will analyze the role of women in Sundiata and compare their treatment as in other communities in Popul Vuh and Paradise Lost.

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The community in Sundiata was a patriarchy. It viewed the women as their relations and were allowed little powers and rights. In the book of Sundiata, women may seem to have some degree of control of property. Nonetheless, they are kept away from positions of power. For instance, Sassouma Berete thought, "What would become of her . . . if her son were disinherited?" (Wisniewski 13). This shows that the female was disprivileged in the society in that they relied on their sons or husbands as to the symbol of power and direction. In some aspects, the roles of women in Sundiata are as a result of the male conflict in the kingdom. For instance, Nana Triban, the daughter to Sassouma is forced to marry Soumaoro without her approval. "My brother sent me by force to Sosso to be the wife of Soumaoro. I wept a great deal" (Wisniewski 48). This is an indication of that marriage discussions only took place between the male family and the groom. Therefore in this community, the role of the woman was only to be a bride but not contribute in some matters they are involved in.

In Popul Vuh by Dennis Tedlock, the woman is depicted as a pawn for which the community can use for its gains. For instance, the lust woman and the wailing woman are sent to trick the boy gods Auilix, Tohil, and hacauitiz. Their failure leads to the defeat of the community; both women become the first sex workers (Tedlock 71). This depicts a society that has less care of the qualities of a woman and the level of value she brings to the community. On the other hand, Paradise Lost speaks directly on the woman's obligation to a man (Blessington 21). For Instance in phrases like "let them ask their husbands at home." And "women should be subordinate, as the law also says." a woman is obligated to submissive to whatever a man orders. At the same time, Milton describes Eve as a person that is inferior minded as compared to Adam.

From the above discussions, it is correct that in each of these works, the woman is subordinated to their male counterparts. From the ways that a woman is viewed in all of these communities, their role is always to be below a man and heed to whatever the community directs them. There is very little evidence to show any form of agency of power by the woman in these works. However, in Sundiata, by betraying her husband, Soumaoro, Nana Triban showed her bravery and ability to take matters into her own hands (Wisniewski 72). These efforts are nonetheless shunned, and she is taken back to her forced marriage.

Conclusion

Conclusively, Regarding the portrayal of women and their roles in Sundiata in the Malian community, they were labeled in positions that were unequal to their male counterparts. Men were always considered as the primary holders of power in the community and women remained below this system (Gale 42). Women are therefore only workers in the community, and none of their views were considered necessary in the urgency of power in the community.

Works Cited

Blessington, Francis C. Paradise Lost: A Student's Companion to the Poem. iUniverse, 2004.

Tedlock, Dennis. Popol Vuh: The Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life. eBookIt.com, 2013.

Wisniewski, David. Sundiata: Lion King of Mali. Turtleback, 1999.

Gale, Cengage Learning. A Study Guide for Djeli Mamoudou Kouyate's "Sundiata". Gale, Cengage Learning,