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Genre

The Joys of Motherhood is a coming of age, or bildungsroman novel.

Point of View

The anonymous narrator of the novel speaks in the third person, focusing mostly on the actions and experiences of the protagonist, Nnu Ego, but while also referencing the many characters who surround her. The narrator’s descriptions are at times objective, told from the position of an outsider or observer of this world. Throughout the work, however, the narration is omniscient, revealing and analyzing the private thoughts and motives of various characters.

Tone

The tone of the narrator of The Joys of Motherhood is mostly detached, attempting to simply report the characters’ thoughts and actions and not trying to pass judgment on the proceedings. At times, however, sympathy for the plight of Nnu Ego does infuse the narrative’s tone.

Tense

The events occurring in The Joys of Motherhood are described in the past tense.

Setting (Time & Place)

The Joys of Motherhood is set in the early 20th century, from 1909 to the 1950s The novel is set in Nigeria—in Ogboli, a village in Ibuza, and in Lagos.

Foreshadowing

Agunwa’s death in Chapter 2 anticipates Nnu Ego’s life of self-sacrifice and her eventually dying alone. Agbadi loudly making love to Ona foreshadows Nnaife’s first night with Adaku as Nnu Ego lies close by, listening.

Major Conflict

Nnu Ego struggles to fulfill her destiny as an Ibo woman and provide her husband with many sons. As traditions erode, Nnu Ego’s role grows increasingly at odds with society and the evolving sense of duty that her children have to the family.

Rising Actions

Nnu Ego is unable to provide her abusive first husband with children. When her first child dies in infancy, Nnu Ego attempts to commit suicide as a result.

Climax

Nnu Ego realizes her sacrifices as a wife and mother have all been for nothing.

Falling Actions

Nnu Ego has no choice but to continue her course as provider for her family.  She returns to Ibuza and dies alone along a roadside. Her two eldest sons go on to better lives in the United States and Canada. Oshia, the eldest, eventually returns to provide his mother with an elaborate funeral.

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