The River Between Lesson Plan

What is Chege's explanation for why antelope run away from men? What does this say about women in Gikuyu society?

Chege explains that long ago women used to rule the land. The women were cruel and once while pregnant, the men overthrew them. Before this, women owned everything. But now, they are seen as weak; for this reason, antelope don't run away from women, for they have nothing to fear.

By telling his son this story, Chege teaches him not only that are women the weaker gender, but that they have rightfully lost their authority. Women occupy a low place in the patriarchal society and the men pass down this story to help maintain their place in the hierarchy. Women...