Gender and Sexual Harrasment by Krissy Chen

How does Adichie incorporate gender roles and acts of sexual harassment within the short story, Jumping Monkey Hill?

2024-04-18 17:50:54 UTC

Evidence 1: "At first, Ujunwa tried not to notice that Edward often stared at her body, that his eyes were never on her face but always lower" (Adichie 106).

2024-04-18 18:06:09 UTC

Ujunwa is aware of Edwards gruesome actions towards her. However, she does her best to remain silent in the situation, regardless of the discomfort that she is feeling. Adichie exemplifies topics such as male dominance and sexual harassment through Edward's character. Ultimately, Ujunwa feels helpless and unable to speak up for herself in unsafe situations.

Evidence 2: "She put down her half-finished glass of wine and said, 'Edward is always looking at my body'...the Zimbabwean said Edward's eyes were always leering when he looked at Ujunwa" (Adichie 109).

2024-04-18 18:15:48 UTC

Ujunwa finally brings up Edwards grim actions to the rest of the people at the facility. Adichie uses Ujunwa as a representation of a female victim of sexual harassment by including Ujunwas view of Edwards actions. After Ujunwa speaks to the rest of the people, the Zimbabwean responds to her by supporting her statements that Edward does indeed sexually harass her. To add on, the gender roles also play a role in the sexual harassment because in this scenario, Edward is the head of the facility, therefore he has control over all of the people and can do whatever he wants. To conclude, Adichie uses Ujunwa as a character that is a victim of sexual harassment through gender in this short story.

kchen2510 — 2024-04-18 18:18:58 UTC

"Edward is always looking at my breasts. The Kenyan said it was clear from the first day that the man would be climbing on top of that flat stick of a wife and wishing it were Ujunwa" (Adichie 109). Adichie demonstrates how easily women are objectified and how this feeds negative preconceptions. Unjunwa, who is obviously uncomfortable in this circumstance, exposes Nigerian society's underlying sexualization of women and how they are handled. Edward's longing for Ujunwa suggests that his attraction towards her is more powerful than social rules and expectations.

conclusion:

2024-04-18 18:25:45 UTC

All in all, Adichie highlights the gender imbalance and sexual oppression within the short story, Jumping Monkey Hill. After analyzing the character, Edward, it is clear that he obtains significantly more power than Ujanwa, leading her to feel defeated. His use of words and shameful actions lead her to feel uncomfortable. Throughout the writing, Adichie provides the exploitation of woman in the workforce, specifically the writing workshop, while comparing them to men. Overall, the author incorporates touching ideas to highlight the severity of sexual harassment and gender inequality.