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 reorganise the house before the visitors arrive. By doing this, Ajayi hopes to create the impression that he is a respectable and well-organised family man. This shows that he values outward appearance more than honesty.

Another clear example of hypocrisy is seen in Ayo’s behaviour when preparing for the missionaries’ visit. After receiving Ajayi’s message, she quickly transforms the house to make it appear religious and respectable. She removes calendars with pictures of lightly dressed women, replaces magazines with religious books and hides wine glasses. She even borrows a wedding ring from a neighbour and wears her Sunday dress to look like a properly married woman. All these actions are meant to deceive the visitors into believing that they are a respectable Christian family.

Ayo’s hypocrisy is also evident in her behaviour towards Ajayi before and after the marriage. For twelve years she behaves like a submissive and devoted partner who wakes up early every morning to prepare Ajayi’s tea and breakfast. However, immediately after the marriage ceremony, she refuses to continue performing these duties and asks Ajayi to prepare his own tea. This sudden change suggests that she had been pretending to be a dutiful partner during the years of cohabitation.

Finally, Ayo’s reaction when Ajayi announces his intention to marry her also shows hypocrisy. She suddenly refuses his romantic advances and insists that they should wait until after marriage because it would not be morally right. This is ironic because they have already lived together for twelve years and have three children. Her behaviour therefore reveals a contradiction between her words and her past actions.

In conclusion, the story clearly shows that hypocrisy is common in human behaviour. The story therefore warns readers against hypocrisy and encourages sincerity in human relationships.