Roots: The Saga of an American Family Theme of Women and Femininity

Although Roots investigates a wide variety of topics, from the historical and economic roots of American slavery to the details of the aftermath of the Civil War, the novel keeps coming back to issues regarding women.

Sometimes we're looking at gender dynamics in traditional Mandinka society. Sometimes we're looking at cultural differences in conceptions of femininity. Sometimes we're looking at how women were particularly victimized by the slave trade through sexual violence and other abuse. It's not always pretty, but it's important to acknowledge these grave injustices and not merely sweep them under the rug.

1. How do views of femininity differ in America and Africa? Explain.
2. In what ways were women particularly victimized by the slave trade?
3. How does Kunta's view of women change over time?
4. In what ways does Mandinka culture defy our expectations of patriarchal societies?

Often, Kunta's frustrated by Bell's outspoken nature because it contradicts Mandinka gender roles.

Mandinka culture defies our expectations of patriarchal societies because women are still afforded power in certain aspects of society, though it's still limited.