Motherhood Between Fulfilment and Burden: A Critical Study of The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

 This blog is assigned as part of a Thinking Activity by Megha Trivedi Ma'am. . It critically examines the representation of motherhood in Buchi Emecheta’s novel and compares it with contemporary media portrayals.

Introduction to the Novel

Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979) is one of the most powerful feminist novels in African literature. The novel tells the tragic story of Nnu Ego, a woman whose entire identity and purpose revolve around motherhood. In traditional Igbo society, motherhood is considered the greatest achievement and source of honour for women. A woman gains respect, security, and social value through her children, especially sons.

However, Emecheta presents a deeply ironic reality. Instead of bringing happiness and fulfilment, motherhood becomes a source of suffering, sacrifice, and loss for Nnu Ego. She sacrifices her youth, health, and personal identity for her children, believing that they will care for her in old age. Yet, in the end, she dies alone and abandoned.

Through Nnu Ego’s life, Emecheta questions traditional beliefs about motherhood and exposes the harsh realities faced by women in patriarchal and colonial societies.

Question 1: Does the Novel Celebrate Motherhood or Question It?

Buchi Emecheta presents motherhood as both fulfilment and burden. However, the novel ultimately questions and critiques motherhood rather than celebrating it.

This can be understood through the following detailed points:

1. Motherhood as a Source of Identity and Fulfilment

At the beginning of the novel, motherhood gives meaning and purpose to Nnu Ego’s life.

Explanation:

• In Igbo culture, a woman’s worth is defined by her ability to bear children.

• When Nnu Ego’s first child dies, she feels worthless and attempts suicide.

• This shows how deeply her identity is connected to motherhood.

• When she later gives birth to sons, she feels proud and fulfilled.

• She believes that her children are her greatest achievement.

Analysis:

This suggests that motherhood initially provides emotional fulfilment, social respect, and identity to women.

2. Motherhood as a Source of Sacrifice and Suffering

Although motherhood brings fulfilment, it also demands immense sacrifice.

Explanation:

• Nnu Ego works tirelessly to feed and raise her children.

• She sells goods in the market and suffers extreme poverty.

• She sacrifices her health, comfort, and personal happiness.

• She remains in an unhappy marriage for the sake of her children.

Analysis:

Motherhood becomes a burden that requires complete self-sacrifice. Nnu Ego loses her individuality and exists only as a mother.

3. Lack of Emotional and Economic Support

Motherhood does not provide Nnu Ego with security or support.

Explanation:

• Her husband Nnaife does not provide sufficient financial support.

• She struggles alone to raise her children.

• Her sons eventually leave her to pursue their own lives.

• They do not provide emotional or physical care in her old age.

Analysis:

This shows that motherhood does not guarantee protection, respect, or security.

4. Motherhood as a Tool of Patriarchal Control

The novel shows how motherhood is used to control women.

Explanation:

• Society expects women to sacrifice everything for their children.

• Women have no freedom to pursue education or careers.

• Nnu Ego cannot define her identity outside motherhood.

Analysis:

Motherhood becomes a social obligation rather than a personal choice.

5. The Irony of the Title

The title itself is ironic and questions the idea of maternal joy.

Explanation:

• Nnu Ego’s life is full of suffering, poverty, and loneliness.

• She dies alone, without her children beside her.

• After death, she is worshipped as a fertility goddess.

Analysis:

Society celebrates motherhood symbolically but ignores the real suffering of mothers.

Conclusion 

The novel ultimately questions motherhood rather than celebrating it. While motherhood provides emotional fulfilment and social respect, it also brings suffering, sacrifice, and loss of identity. Emecheta exposes the harsh reality behind the romanticized idea of maternal joy and critiques patriarchal expectations placed on women.

Question 2: Representation of Motherhood in Contemporary Media and Comparison with Nnu Ego

Motherhood is portrayed in various ways in modern films, television, and advertisements. Some portray mothers as empowered and independent, while others continue to show sacrifice and struggle.

Here are three examples:

Example 1: English Vinglish – Motherhood and Self-Discovery

Portrayal of Motherhood in the Film

• The protagonist Shashi is a devoted wife and mother.

• She sacrifices her personal growth for her family.

• Her husband and daughter disrespect her because she cannot speak English.

• She secretly joins an English class and gains confidence.

Similarities with Nnu Ego

• Both women sacrifice their identity for their families.

• Both are undervalued and unappreciated.

• Both define themselves through motherhood.

Differences from Nnu Ego

• Shashi gains independence and self-confidence.

• She develops her own identity beyond motherhood.

• Her family eventually respects her.

Analysis:

Unlike Nnu Ego, Shashi achieves empowerment and self-respect.

Example 2: Badhaai Ho – Challenging Social Expectations

Portrayal of Motherhood in the Film

• The mother becomes pregnant at an older age.

• Society criticizes and judges her.

• Her children feel embarrassed.

• Eventually, the family accepts and supports her.

Similarities with Nnu Ego

• Society controls women’s reproductive lives.

• Women face social pressure and judgment.

Differences from Nnu Ego

• The mother receives emotional support from her family.

• She is not abandoned or isolated.

• Her motherhood is respected and accepted.

Analysis:

Modern media shows more acceptance and support for mothers compared to Nnu Ego’s experience.

Example 3: Ariel Advertisement – “Share the Load” Campaign

Portrayal of Motherhood in the Advertisement

• The advertisement shows mothers managing household responsibilities alone.

• It encourages fathers to share domestic work.

• It promotes equality and shared responsibility.

Similarities with Nnu Ego

• Mothers carry heavy responsibilities.

• Society expects mothers to sacrifice for family.

Differences from Nnu Ego

• Modern campaigns promote gender equality.

• Mothers are not expected to suffer alone.

• Responsibility is shared between parents.

Analysis:

This reflects changing attitudes toward motherhood and gender roles.

Overall Comparison with Nnu Ego

Similarities

• Mothers are expected to sacrifice for their children.

• Motherhood remains central to female identity.

• Mothers often face emotional and social challenges.

Differences

• Modern mothers have more freedom and independence.

• They can pursue careers and personal growth.

• Society increasingly supports women’s rights.

• Mothers are no longer completely dependent on husbands or children.

Conclusion

The Joys of Motherhood presents motherhood as both fulfilment and burden but ultimately questions the traditional ideal of maternal happiness. Nnu Ego’s tragic life reveals how society exploits mothers while glorifying their sacrifice.

In contrast, modern films and media show changing attitudes toward motherhood. Contemporary mothers have more opportunities, independence, and support. However, the expectation of sacrifice still exists.

Buchi Emecheta’s novel remains relevant today because it challenges us to rethink motherhood, gender roles, and women’s identity. It reminds us that motherhood should be a source of choice and fulfilment, not suffering and loss of self.

Thank You...