ad also taken the place of her father, …” (Rifaat, page 57). This again demonstrates the feeling of superiority or power that this man has over his wife. He constantly refers to himself taking care of the little things that she need not worry herself over. That she is the woman and should be carefree. Men do not only use their gender to gain Domestic power, but also a Social/Political power as well. In the stories we have read, it seems that men have all of the real power in the tribes or communities. Are these situations created out of custom or fear? The fear of losing control or any power prevents things from being change from the way that they are. This power is an important aspect in the life of these communities. “Although the people were given their own ploughing lands, they had no authority to plough them without the chief’s order,” (Head, “Deep River”, page 1). These people follow the instructions of one individual and one individual only. It was the leader or chief that gave these instructions. “Reap now, and come home,” (Head, “Deep River”, page 1). The people willingly gave in to these commands with out question. But men will fight other men for this prestigious power. “It was not the habit of Prophet Lebojang to notice the existence of Prophet Jacob…” (Head, “Jacob”, page 20). This is setting a tone that these two men do not get along and at least one of these men will fight for a share of any power, if not all of the power, that they can get their hands on. Brothers too will fight each other for this Social/Political power. When a question arises of who should succeed the present leader, things get headed pretty quickly. “That matter settled, the next challenge came from the two junior brothers, Ntema and Mosemme. If Sebembele were claiming the child, Makobi, as his son, they said, it meant that the you...
