The irony in the novel starts with the title which in itself is ironic. Emecheta demonstrates that motherhood in the traditional African society is not joyful in any way.
The heroine of the novel and other women in the society represented are not fairly treated. Nnu Ego’s first marriage breaks up because she is not able to bear a child. She goes into another marriage with Nnaife and is blessed with children but the suffering is lifelong.
Nnu Ego toils on end to educate his sons who end up not caring for her. The uneducated female children were more caring.
Very few candidates attempted the question and they could not tie their points up logically.
