What role is played by madow in so long a letter?

In Mariama Bâ's "So Long a Letter," Madow serves as a symbol of traditional gender roles and societal expectations in Senegalese culture. He represents the patriarchal values that dictate the lives of women, particularly in the context of marriage and family. Madow's actions and attitudes highlight the struggles faced by women like Ramatoulaye, the protagonist, who seeks to assert her identity and independence in a society that often confines them to subservient roles. His character ultimately serves as a critique of the limitations imposed on women by societal norms.