Hypocrisy is a common trait in human beings.” Discuss with illustrations from the short story The Truly Married Woman.
“ The Truly Married Woman" by Abioseh Nicol in A Silent Song and Other Stories portrays hypocrisy as a common human weakness. Through the behaviour of Ajayi and Ayo, the writer shows that people often create false impressions to gain respect or approval from others. Firstly, Ajayi demonstrates hypocrisy in his dealings with the missionaries. He writes to a missionary organization pretending that he is interested in joining their religious work. However, his real intention is to obtain free religious materials such as Bibles and pictures which he hopes to sell, give away or use as decoration. This behaviour shows that Ajayi pretends to be spiritually committed while in reality he is only interested in personal gain. Secondly, Ajayi’s invitation of the missionaries to his house reveals further hypocrisy. When they accept his invitation, he lies that the roads to his home are bad so that they cannot take a taxi immediately. His real aim is to buy time for Ayo to clean and reor...