John K. Kargbo: Let me Die Alone
How do men behave towards women in the play?
Explanation
The play criticises the gender roles assigned to women in the traditional society. In Senehun and Mendeland at large, women are not treated as equals of men. Women are considered fragile, vulnerable and incapable of managing crises. From the beginning of the play, Chief Gbanya tries to relegate Madam Yoko's duties to dancing and satisfying him in bed, and not to interfere in state affairs. To Chief Gbanya such responsibility is meant for men alone. Chief Gbanya shares the same sentiment with his Chief Warrior Ndapi who beats and pounds on his wife – Jilo, at any slightest opportunity. He beats Jilo for not always serving him his food at the right time, being lazy and not looking after their daughter. Initially, Gbanya has promised Yoko she would be his successor. However, with troubles around, he feels reluctant to handover the throne to her because he believes women cannot handle a land at war. This is the same stance of Lamboi. The excuse he gives for wanting to kill Gbanya is because he does not want the latter to appoint Yoko as his successor. However, the women protest in different ways. Jilo protests by having an affair with Lansana who takes her as a human being by showers her love, admires her good looks, qualities and praises her alluring waist which is in contrast to Ndapi who rarely appreciates her food, beauty and skills in bed. Obviously, if not for Yoko's doggedness and insistence, a woman would not have become the chief of Mendeland; talk more of expanding the chiefdom.
In Mendeland, women usually are not allowed into the Poro cult. Yoko is the only exception. In the village, there is a certain prejudice held against women. They are considered inferior and except for Yoko who forges ahead, women are not assigned ruling positions.