The Joys of Motherhood
Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979) is a powerful novel that explores the complexities of motherhood, gender roles, and colonialism in mid-20th century Nigeria. Set in both rural Ibuza and the rapidly modernizing city of Lagos, the novel follows the life of Nnu Ego, a woman whose identity and self-worth are deeply tied to traditional expectations of motherhood. As she struggles to provide for her children in an urban society that values economic survival over cultural traditions, Emecheta critiques the romanticized notion of motherhood as a source of ultimate fulfillment. Through Nnu Ego’s journey, the novel raises profound questions about sacrifice, female agency, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous values. A deeply moving and often tragic story, The Joys of Motherhood challenges readers to reconsider the societal pressures placed on women and the true costs of maternal devotion. This blog is a thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma’am, based on this novel.
About the Author Buchi Emecheta: A Pioneering Voice in African Literature
Over her career, Emecheta published more than 20 books and was recognized as a leading voice in African literature. Her writing challenged both Western and African perceptions of womanhood and postcolonial identity. In 2005, she was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to literature.
1) “The most celebrated female character in African creative writing is the African mother.” by Marie A. Umeh according to this, is the character of Nnu Ego celebrating motherhood or not? Explain.
Marie A. Umeh, in her article ‘The Joys of Motherhood: Myth or Reality?’, argues that Buchi Emecheta’s novel The Joys of Motherhood challenges the traditional, idealized image of the African mother as a figure of love, strength, and fulfillment. While many African literary works celebrate motherhood as the pinnacle of a woman’s identity, Emecheta presents a starkly different reality through the life of her protagonist, Nnu Ego. Rather than glorifying motherhood, the novel exposes its burdens, showing that the sacrifices of a mother do not always lead to happiness or security.
Throughout the novel, Nnu Ego subscribes to the belief that motherhood is the key to a woman’s worth and fulfillment. She initially finds comfort in her ability to bear children, believing that this will ensure her a respected place in society. As Umeh notes,
“Upon the birth of their first son, Oshia, she reflects: ‘She was now sure, as she bathed her baby son and cooked for her husband, that her old age would be happy, that when she died there would be somebody left behind to refer to her as “mother”’”.
However, as the story unfolds, this belief is shattered. Nnu Ego’s life becomes a relentless cycle of struggle, sacrifice, and suffering as she works tirelessly to provide for her children, often without any gratitude or support in return.
Emecheta dismantles the romanticized notion of motherhood by portraying the economic and emotional toll it takes on women. Umeh highlights this shift, stating that in The Joys of Motherhood,
“one witnesses the collapse of these glorifying images of the African Mother”.
Unlike earlier literary portrayals that depict mothers as honored and revered, Emecheta shows that a woman can dedicate her entire life to her children and still end up abandoned and alone. This is evident when Nnu Ego, reflecting on her sacrifices, laments:
“I was born alone, and I shall die alone. What have I gained from all this? Yes, I have many children, but what do I have to feed them on? On my life. I have to work myself to the bone to look after them. I have to give them my all. And if I am lucky enough to die in peace, I even have to give them my soul”.
Her eventual death—alone and unrecognized, despite her numerous children—further reinforces the novel’s critique of the societal expectations placed on mothers. Ironically, despite all she has endured, her spirit refuses to answer prayers for fertility, as “however many people appealed to her to make women fertile, she never did”. This suggests a rejection of the idea that motherhood is the ultimate source of a woman’s joy and purpose. Ultimately, Emecheta’s novel does not celebrate motherhood in the traditional sense. Instead, it critiques the unrealistic expectations that society places on women, exposing the harsh realities of maternal sacrifice. Through Nnu Ego’s journey, The Joys of Motherhood reveals that motherhood, far from being a guarantee of fulfillment, can often be a path of suffering and disillusionment. (Umeh)
2) “The title of Emecheta's novel is patently ironic, for it would seem that there are few joys associated with motherhood after all.” Explain.
Marie A. Umeh, in her article The Joys of Motherhood: Myth or Reality?, argues that the title of Buchi Emecheta’s novel is deeply ironic, as the story ultimately reveals that motherhood brings far more suffering than joy. While traditional African society and literature often present motherhood as a source of honor, fulfillment, and security, Emecheta dismantles this notion by exposing the sacrifices, hardships, and ultimate loneliness that motherhood can entail. Umeh highlights how Emecheta challenges the glorified image of the African mother, stating that The Joys of Motherhood
“witnesses the collapse of these glorifying images of the African Mother”.
Rather than celebrating motherhood as a rewarding role, the novel portrays it as a relentless burden. Nnu Ego, the protagonist, devotes her life to raising her children, believing that they will provide her with security in old age. She is convinced that
“the joy of being a mother is the joy of giving all to your children”,
but this belief is ultimately proven false. Instead of gratitude, she faces neglect, and instead of fulfillment, she experiences exhaustion and disappointment.
The irony of the novel’s title becomes even more apparent in Nnu Ego’s tragic ending. After years of sacrifice, she dies alone, without the love or support of the very children for whom she suffered. As Umeh notes,
“a woman with many children could face a lonely old age and maybe a miserable death all alone, just like a barren woman”.
This statement directly contradicts the traditional belief that a woman’s value is tied to her ability to bear children. Nnu Ego’s fate suggests that motherhood does not guarantee happiness, security, or respect, making the novel’s title bitterly ironic. Furthermore, even in death, Nnu Ego rejects the idealized notion of motherhood. Umeh points out that despite being honored with an elaborate burial and a shrine,
“however many people appealed to her to make women fertile, she never did”.
This final act signifies a rejection of the very system that caused her so much suffering, reinforcing the idea that the supposed “joys” of motherhood are, in reality, a myth. Through Nnu Ego’s story, Emecheta exposes the harsh realities of motherhood, challenging the traditional assumption that it is a woman’s ultimate purpose and source of happiness. The title, therefore, serves as a sharp critique rather than a celebration, emphasizing the painful irony that motherhood, which is supposed to bring joy, often results in suffering, sacrifice, and disillusionment.
(Umeh)
To know more about this novel, check out this video -
Words - 1547
Images - 2
Videos - 1
References -
Emecheta, Buchi. The Joys of Motherhood: A Novel. G. Braziller, 1979.
Umeh, Marie A. “The Joys of Motherhood: Myth or Reality?” Colby Library Quarterly, vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 39-46. https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/cq. Accessed 9 February 2025.
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