Despite not wanting to marry Modou, she does because like many other women, she is “a lamb slaughtered on the altar of affluence” (40), showing that she is not responsible to act upon her reasoning and make decisions based for her own well-being. Binetou, Modou’s co-wife, is also portrayed as a woman with no voice and as a follower of the society’s norms. Long after the two separated, Ramatoulaye still “ for Modou” (59). Ramatoulaye declines further marriage proposal made by Daouda Dieng, her former lover and decides to “remain faithful to the love of youth” (59), even though it was after Modou’s death, showing her complete dependence on her husband. Stuck in a vicious cycle, Ramatoulaye continues pleasing her husband rather than herself, despite his lack of presence. Although she does not display it, Ramatoulaye’s constant suffering overwhelms her responsibilities since as well as her “former duties, took over Modou’s as well” (Bâ 53). Modou Fall married a younger woman as his second wife without the consent of his first wife. In the novel, which uses an epistolary form, Ramatoulaye evokes her memories of her failed marriage post her husband Modou’s death.
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