The Sense in the Snail Sense Feminism: A Study of Ifeoma Okoye’s “A Strange Disease†and “From Wife to Concubineâ€

Abstract

Most African societies seem to be culture oriented. Despite Western civilization and influence,the impact of traditional beliefs, myths and religion, according to a significant number ofresearches, are prevailing. The rights, positions, and experiences of female gender in mostAfrican countries have remained a major concern of most scholars, who have in many wayshighlighted the hostile nature of some cultural structures as they affect the females in patriarchalsocieties. The study attempts to lend support to Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Snail Sense. Usingcontent analysis approach of qualitative research method and the theory of snail sense feminism,the study examines Ifeoma Okoye’s “The Strange Disease†and “From Wife to Concubine†tocapture the challenges and adversities of the female characters, to buttress the need for snailsense in patriarchal societies. The findings revealed that based on traditional practices and beliefs,female characters, especially widows, are subjected to marginalization and intimidation. Themain characters, in line with Snail Sense feminism, advocate diplomacy and successfullyovercome their impediments. Snail sense should be encouraged amongst women as a survivalstrategy in male dominated societies.