Love and Compassion

In Alobwed’Epie’s The Lady with a Beard, the theme of love and compassion is used to bring to light the importance of human relationships. The plot develops considerably through the love, care, and compassion that some characters show toward one another.

For instance, Emade sends her daughter, Ntube, to the mission out of love and concern for her safety. She fears that danger might befall her daughter in Atieg following a series of unfortunate incidents. Her decision demonstrates a mother’s willingness to make a difficult sacrifice for the protection of her child.

Similarly, it is out of love and compassion that Ahone immediately goes to Atieg after hearing that her sister, Emade, has been banned from all the women’s associations in the community. Concerned that her sister might be sad and lonely, Ahone goes to look for her and subsequently proposes that they go to Ekenzu together so that Emade will no longer be “tossed up and down.” This is evident on page 26 when Ahone asks:

“You want to remain in a situation in which you are tossed up and down like cocoyams in pudding?”

The two sisters also demonstrate love and compassion towards their half-sister, Méchane. Despite the presence of other women in the Muabag community, they are the ones who care for Méchane during her final hours, thereby preventing her from dying alone on her sickbed. Their actions demonstrate the importance of family bonds, care, and compassion, even in difficult circumstances.