SEMINAR PAPER ASSIGNMENT--DUE Oct. 7th
Our first novel, Changes: A Love Story, was written by Ama Ata Aidoo(link about her life) almost 20 years ago. She was one of the first women in Africa to challenge any idea that women could not write or that women should not have a different voice, method, or style of expression for storytelling on the continent with its many diverse groups of people. She wrote in all literary genres and lived in both West and East Africa while she wrote, taught at university, and raised children. She is currently a long term visiting professor of African studies at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. To find out more about her go to this general information about Aidoo's work and life.
Use this link for questions to guide your reading and our seminar discussions on this novel.
Use this link for issues of Feminist Africa.
I would like to use my first blog to post a question about the first chapter. On page 3, half way down the page, Aidoo writes, "Therefore, since she knew silences sometimes have a way of screaming strange messages,she spoke, to fill the air with words.
ReplyDeleteThey know that art well
who trade in food-
pad up
where resources are scarce, or
just for cool profit:
grains for sausages
some worms for burgers
more leaves for kenkey!
I had trouble understanding if this was actually soemthing Esi said out loud prior to her acknowledgement that her car was at the office, or was this a poem that was somehow important to her so she recited it to herself at that moment. And what is the significance of the words? I would love to know what everyone else thought about this particular moment. I am sure it will become clear but I am posting this only after I have read the first chapter. I am already intrigued by the differences in the two characters. I like Mr.Kondey's akwardness toward Esi and her complete indifference to it.
Time to read on!
Wow. I had to get that off my chest. This is my second blog after completing the first ten chapters. I decided to follow the culture theme closely. I have come to the conclusion that there is a fine line between customs and culture. I also believe that both custom and culture can overlap at times. Aidoo writes, "She could go and sit down to have a beer. But she knew this was not really done. A woman alone in a hotel lobby drinking alcohol? It would definitely be misunderstood. Then she told herself that she was tired of all the continual misunderstandings" (32). I found this particular issue of having a drink by herself in the hotel to be a cultural dilemma. Another example of cultural oppression against women is expressed through Ali's words, "He had slept with a great number of women in his time, but he knew very few women from his part of the world who even tried to be at ease with their own bodies. The combination of forces against that had been too overwhelming-
ReplyDeletetraditional shyness and contempt for the
biology of women;
Islamic suppressive ideas about women;
English Victorian prudery and
French hypocrisy imported by the colonisers
All these had variously wreaked havoc on the mind of the modern African woman:especially about herself" (75).
This description was about Esi walking around in the privacy of her four walls, nude. Culturally women were taught to be ashamed of themselves even when they were not in public.
The customary issues which blurred the line of cultural were that of multiple marriages, asking permission of the family for a woman and others. Here is a customary example I found, "They spent the afternoon planning the trip to go see her people. They went over and over the required items. They also agreed since custom did not permit them to drive down in the same vehicle, they would have to travel seperately and if possible, she a day earlier. He would have to go with somebody, a man, a close friend or relative, since no man was expected to enter into such negotiations alone" (Aidoo 92).
I believe the line between the cutural and the customary is divided by whether the activity or belief is accepted as truth for an entire society or just a small faction. I am interested in what you guys think about these ideas. I can't wait to find out the fate of Esi.
Grr! I just wrote a long post and then it disappeared! Curse you, Blogger! ;) I'll do my best to recreate it...
ReplyDeleteI'm finally able to sit down and write out one of the two posts I have brewing about "Changes". I have to say that I'm enjoying the book very much; I'm invested in the characters and looking forward to seeing where the story takes them all.
For "Changes", I've decided to read with an eye towards gender roles, and what we can learn - and what the book tells us - about said roles and other gender dynamics in this particular societal microcosm. The story so far is quite rich in this way, with many descriptions and inferences about the gender roles in Esi's world. We get our first glimpse almost immediately: the second paragraph on the very first page of the story exposes us to Esi's resentment about being perceived as somewhat interchangeable with the secretary: "...why couldn't she ever prevent her colleagues from assuming that any time the office secretary was away, she could do the job?". Despite her high level of education and her accomplishments in the business world, in the eyes of her coworkers, Esi is at the same level as a secretary - because of her gender. And not only is she resentful of this attitude from her (presumably male) colleagues, she is angry at herself for her inability to "prevent herself from falling into that trap". This tells us that not only is Esi struggling with gender expectations and pressures from outside herself, she's also wrestling with internalized gender circumscriptions.
I shall be posting again in the near future, and I am quite eager to read what the rest of you think about the book so far!
After reading the first in “Changes”, I found myself looking back at the second to last paragraph because I noticed the topic of religion was mentioned.
ReplyDelete“It was a Friday evening. As a strictly brought-up Muslim who had actually gone to the mosque earlier in the afternoon, there was only one way to interpret his encounter with this fascinating woman: a gift from Allah. So he should not let himself feel too bad about the way the encounter had ended. If it was His will, things would right themselves in the end.” (4)
By mentioning Ali’s religious background and how his thoughts have been shaped around his religion, Aidoo shows the importance of one’s religion in Ali’s community. Although some individuals may not have the same religious background as Ali, I feel that Islam will play a big role in the book since Ali was mentioned in the first chapter.
In response to Victoria’s second post, it seems like Islam has shaped both the men and the women in Ghana. As children, are taught that females are inferior and which then causes them to see it as a fact rather than an opinion. By installing this statement into their minds, they react to different situations such as the one mentioned in Sarra’s post. Although we see her complaints as normal, Muslims in Ghana may see it as a dangerous threat to their society.
That "poem" mentioned in Victoria's post also really confuses me. The only conclusion I could come up with is that Esi is sort of mocking their first encounter. The basic message of the poem seems to be that those who trade know how to trade and can get something for nothing. Esi sees the wealthy man Ali as a trader, knows that he is interested in her, and is attempting to offer modest things like a ride to her home in exchange for her highly-valued affection. I'd really like to hear other people's thoughts since I've read that part many times now trying to figure it out.
ReplyDeleteI think that while the first chapter clearly establishes Esi as a career-oriented woman struggling to find equality in a conforming society, it also hints that Ali is more enlightened than most males in his thinking of social constructs. He is saddened when he hits the "walls which the different colonial experiences seemed to have erected between the different groups of Africans...especially when he hit them in relation to women" (2). This is after Ali offered Esi a seat despite her inferior status. I think that his deeper realization of how history and culture affects gender status was a factor in Esi's attraction to Ali. Their relationship seems like a representation of how equality can occur only through understanding.
What a rich and engrossing book this is! I've read the first 10 chapters/92 pages, and it positively brims with information and commentary about this particular culture's gender roles! And not just the expectations for women; the book delves into societal roles for men, too. Some examples, taken from Esi's first husband Oko:
ReplyDelete"'It's not safe to show a woman you love her...not too much, anyway,' some male voice was telling him...'Showing a woman you love her is like asking her to walk over you. How much of your love for how heavy her kicks.'" (7).
"'My friends are laughing at me,' he said...'They think I'm not behaving like a man.'" (8).
"He was already feeling like telling Esi that he was sorry [for raping her]. But he was also convinced he mustn't" (10).
"...it served him right, marrying a woman who had more money than him. His wife could never respect him" (39).
These short passages provide a wealth of information about what it means to be a proper man to Oko and in his culture. He is ridiculed by his peers when he is not living up to societal ideals of manhood, and he frequently struggles with what it means to be a man, to act like a man.
Aidoo also shows us, in a couple of succinct passages, the different ways the culture views men and women:
"Having to deal with a man who is over-qualified for a job is bad enough. To have to cope with an over-qualified woman in any situation is a complete misfortune" (41).
"[Ali says] 'Why Esi, for the same reason that any betrothed or married woman would wear any man's ring. To let the rest of the male world know that she is bespoke.' [Esi replies] 'That she has become occupied territory?' [Ali agrees] 'Yes, that she has become occupied territory.'" (91).
The text is laden with information about gender roles!
I didn’t get a chance to write a blog after reading the first chapter, so I’m going to go ahead and skip it just because it wouldn’t seem genuine to try to look back and remember how I was feeling when I already know what’s to come…
ReplyDeleteThroughout the first half 100 pages of the book, the theme that caught my attention most was the development of women. From the first page of the novel, Esi is painted as an independent woman, striving for more than what society has liked her to. This idea right away suggests that the book will address a growth for Esi and possibly a struggle for her as well.
I found that Esi’s development was shown most in her rejection of society’s thought on marriage and discovering where her true loves are, (A process that is seen as a selfish act to most surrounding her). In this process she realizes that she cares more for her job than her for husband. She also discovers a new partner that fuels her rather than wishes to immobilize her. With the development of Esi, the stillness of other women becomes more prominent.
-“Love? … Love is not safe, my lady silk. Love is dangerous.. the last man any woman should think about marrying is the man she loves” (42). (Esi’s nana speaking)
-“Why are you being so childish, eh? Our people have said that for any marriage to work, one party must play a fool” (49).
-“You competed effectively and got promoted. Now look at what has happened to your marriage. Where does that leave you? (50).
Esi is the woman who believes she can be in love and have a successful career. Which at this point in the book, looks like she is headed that way. In her society, her pursuits alone make an impact and advance on the development of women.
On another note, throughout the novel I kept wondering what year it’s set in? Anyone have any ideas?
While reading, I cannot help but to look for the different ways males expect females to conduct themselves throughout daily life. It saddens me that women are not equal to men. There are numerous examples of that but the one that got my attention the most was, “He had owned an impressive number of sons, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, wives and daughters. All definitely in that order of value.” (24)
ReplyDeleteThat disappointed me to a point because just like any other woman who knows her worth, I would definitely want to know that my loved (male) ones consider me more valuable than animals. But beyond that point, I can understand that in some places women know nothing but that and accept it. They see no problem with the way they are viewed by their male relatives. Some women might not even think there are other ways to be treated and accepted. Maybe because it’s been their culture for so long, the thought of self worth and being treated equally never crossed their mind?
But, throughout the story so far (I’m in the middle) I’ve noticed another theme carried out by both Esi and Opokuya. Both women to me sound very strong and have a sense of individuality aside from the tradition and culture their society holds.
First Blog: After reading first chapter.
ReplyDeleteThe first chapter did not reveal much about the characters. I saw "Romance" and "Faith" as a theme.
ROMANCE because Ali was showing interest to Esi. FAITH because Ali mentioned about his god Allah and said that Esi was a gift from his god.
Esi restricted herself from Ali and the reason for that wasn't included in chapter 1.
More to find out for the coming chapters!
Second Blog
ReplyDeleteThere are couple things I want to share about the fist few chapters of "Changes" that stood out for me.
2nd Chapter: This is chapter is revealed that Esiis married to Oko and they have a daughter named Ogyaanowa. After reading this chapter, I just felt really bad that their marriage is not working. I don't see the point of not talking about the problem. (Page 8; last paragraph) Oko tried to talk to his wife and was trying to tell how he feels. Esi basically didn't give Oko a chance to do it. Her ears were shut, not even try to bother to listen. I felt bad for Oko. This scene made Oko feel useless.. powerless... Oko wasn't thinking straight that the only thing he had in mind is to make Esi do something that HE WANTS to regain his power.. Then it led to forcing Esi to have sex with him.
(Page 12, 3rd paragraph) It's stated there that sex is something a husband claims from his wife as his right. Anytime! and at his Convinience! TOTALLY DISAGREE! No way that is possible in my life. I was aggravated upon reading that part..
I have so much more to say about this book, it just keeps me going from one chapter to another.
Wow, everyone's posted lots of great ideas so far! Sorry for posting so late...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, what struck me in the first chapter was just how strong Esi is. Here is a woman who is assertive and professional, not afraid to bruise the pride of a "self-consciously charming [man]" (1), though, Ali doesn't seem too hurt when she turns him down flat. I feel silly that I was a bit surprised by her conviction. It's like what Adichie was saying about how when you hear only one story of Africa, that it comes to define what it means to you. When African women are presented over and over again as victims subservient to the wills of their husbands, it is easy to fall into the trap of generalizing that to all African women. It was refreshing for me to hear a new story. : )
As for the rest of the first half, I really enjoyed chapter 5. There's so much great commentary on gender roles and the implications these carry for the careers of these women. Page 45 is particularly rich with material:
"'Men are not really interested in a woman's independence or her intelligence. The few who claim they like intelligent and active women are also interested in having such women permanently in their beds and in their kitchens.' 'Which is impossible. It's a contradiction.' 'Yes. But there it is'" (45).
It's "impossible" and puts working women in a difficult position, but it's something that they must ultimately embrace if they want continued marital happiness. It will be interesting to see if Oppokuya finds another definition of marital happiness, perhaps one that doesn't require her to sacrifice so much of herself to hold her family together.
Post 1:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the first two chapters I am intrigued by two things. First, is the sexual assault/encounter between Esi and Oku. To best understand this in context, I believe we must ask "why did it happen?"
Oku is completely emasculated by Esi. In a culture still grasping on to traditional gender roles, Oku can't handle it. He is not the primary provider for the family. He earns less than Esi, as well as their house is a benefit of her job. She has the car, she controls the conversation, and he is left with nothing that makes him a "man." Thus, he reverts to the primal mature of humanity, and "rapes" Esi exerting his manhood. To further his "point" he rons her of the covers, leaving her naked and "out in the cold."
The second intriguing point is the subject brought up by Victoria. Why does Esi, out of nowhere start reciting a poem? She definately says it out loud, and she does this because the uncomfortable romantic stress and tension between the two strangers, Esi and Ali. As they both recognize "the spark" of attraction, she quickly averts and changes the subject to something more familiar.
I look forward to reading more.
Bret S.
Post 2:
ReplyDeleteAfter reading nearly half the book...
The comparison of Esi and Oku's relationship to Opakuya and Kubi's is very interesting. They are foils of each other, which helps highlight the theme of gender roles. Esi and Oku are the epitome of a non-traditional gender roled relationship. Within the setting of the novel, this relationship is dysfunctional. Opakayu and Kubi's fill the traditional gender rolls, and appear at this time to have a functional relationship. It is interesting to note the oppisites in the two relationships. Esi doesn't want kids, even though she has one, she has dumped her on grandma. Opakayu has several. Esi earns more than her husband, provides the house and controls the car. This is the exact opposite with the second couple. Also, as Oku is extremely uncomfortable with the non-traditional gender roles, Opakayu is struggling with the traditional gender rolls which she carries on, this is deduced from her argument with Kubi about the car.
I look forward to reading the rest of the novel.
Bret S.
The first impression of me when reading the first chapter is that even though two characters appeared in different emotional stages but finally ended up feeling something sparkling after the conversations between them. Esi was angry with herself, she was obviously not in the good mood and might have felt something “weird” about the man she was talking to. On the contrary, Ali, a charming handsome man, slowly revealed his personality by the flirtatious way of talking to a strange woman. Just from that, I think we all can predict the how the story might go in the future. Ali, on the other hand, did made Esi felt a little bit less annoyed than when she first came in the company. The way he approached her was somehow fast to show interest in someone he just met but Esi did not take it in a bad way, instead “Esi became aware that something quite new and interesting was trying to make itself felt in that room that early everning” (in the middle of page 3)
ReplyDeleteAs I keep on reading, I can’t help admiring the close relationship between Esi and Opokuya. Opokuya is an educated woman who also has her own career yet can be a responsible mom and caring wife. Two women chose different ways to lead their professional and private lives but they are both about changing, thriving to a modern role of women in society and family. I can feel that that Esi has stronger personality compared to her best friend but that just encourage them to willingly listen to each other when one has the need to.
The theme of this novel reminds me of my culture – Asian, where women are also expected to be less educated than men and their main job is around the house and kitchen. I agree with Allysa on her quote page 45 and would like to add more “But when we first met, Oko told me that what had attracted him most about me was my air of independence!” It was true at that moment but things have changed after their marriage and Esi’s independence just adds on insecured feeling for her husband, leading to the fact that he is afraid of losing her as a traditional wife and feel bad for himself for taking all the blame not only from friends but also from his family for choosing her – a modern type woman in a traditionally conservative society – to be his wife.
I've finished the book and this is my final post. I really enjoyed 'Changes' - I found it engrossing, surprising, moving, and enriching. I'm also loving everyone's thoughtful and insightful comments here. I think we have such a great group in this class, and I really look forward to our seminars and discussions.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I want to apologize to everyone for my absence yesterday. I'm dealing with a sinus infection, and yesterday it triggered a migraine, so I was in bed for pretty much the entire day. But I will definitely see you all in class on Thursday!
In Chapter 11, Esi makes a revealing comment: "Opokuya, Ali is wonderful. And so understanding of the kind of woman I am" (94). This small declaration reveals truths not only about Esi (she loves him because he loves and accepts her commitment to her job, her work ethic, and her independence), but about the gender rules they are immersed in and surrounded by - men in Esi's culture do not readily accept women who are as highly educated, driven, and work-focused as Esi. As we saw earlier in the book, and as I referenced above, Oko's friends mocked his manhood for having such a wife. Esi's devotion to and pleasure in her work run counter to what's expected from her as a woman, and Ali's acceptance of (indeed, love for) her independence and career focus are opposite what men are "supposed" to tolerate.
Later in the book, as we see Fusena forced to come to terms with her lot as a woman in this culture, realizing that she can't stop her husband from taking a second wife, even Ali's female elders mourn how little has changed for women and their expected roles in society: "The older women felt bad. So an understanding that had never existed between them was now born. It was a man's world. You only survived if you knew how to live in it as a woman. What shocked the older women, though, was obviously how little had changed for their daughters - school and all" (107). These women, despite growing up in this culture, are chafing at how slowly the proscribed roles for women are changing, despite their new opportunities for education and careers.
I have much more to say, but I need to save some for my seminar paper. :) I also hope to come back later to engage in more actual conversation with the other posts here, time permitting.
After reading half of the book, I was surprised that Esi took Ali’s hand in marriage. In the beginning of the book, Esi is described as an independent woman with a high paying job in Ghana where her efforts were not necessarily appreciated at her workplace and in her house because she is a woman. Since Esi wanted to separate from Oko because of his fear of damaging his reputation, Esi filed for a divorce and then later enters an affair with Ali.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the affair, Esi felt free from the expectations of a wife while enjoying the Ali’s company.
“The relationship between them soon became what could have been described as steady” (74).
“They would immediately fall into each other’s arms and hold her welcoming kiss from the front door through the lengths of the sitting-room, through her bedroom and on to her bed” (74).
Compared with her sexual relationship with Oko, Esi was more comfortable with Ali and they would often spend time after their outings in Esi’s bed.
Oko: “Look at Esi. Two solid years of courtship, six years of marriage. And what did he get out of it? Little. Nothing. No affection” (8).
Ali: “However, Esi and Ali reserved their love-making for the comforts of Esi’s bed. This nearly always followed an outing, as well as any time he came just to be with her” (74).
Even though Esi was happy with their relationship, Ali wanted her to be his second wife which led to the question of how she should act as a second wife. During the time in which they were engaged, Esi consulted Opokuya, her mother, and her grandmother who initially frowned upon the idea but then decided to allow her since she was an adult and not a child. After their marriage, Ali spent less time with her and even started to show interest in a young secretary. If Esi had not gone through with their marriage, she might not have felt as betrayed as she felt when she found out about the secretary but since Ali was now her husband, she could not help but to be jealous of the attention that the secretary received from Ali even though it was the same attention that Ali gave Esi. It seems that every time Esi is in a marriage, she is mentally restrained in her own house.
Finished the rest of the book. Wow. I have to say the ending is pretty disheartening. The poem on page 3 (which I actually think are random thoughts running through Esi's head in the "silence" (3) before she says her car is outside) is totally indicative of how their relationship turns out in the end. The line "pad up where resources are scarce or just for cool profit" makes me think of all the gifts (padding) that Ali gives Esi to distract her from the fact that he never sees her (he's a scarce resource). Esi herself reflects that although he "loved her in his own fashion... she became certain ... that his fashion of loving had proved quite inadequate for her" (165). The "cool profit" is his ability to have this relationship, and to decide when he's a part of it and when he's not. This "strange message" (3) is a warning to her, not to be taken in by this man who puts her in a "trance" (3).
ReplyDeleteOther things: I was really surprised by Kubi's attempt to have sex with Esi. He seems like a decent man, who wouldn't disrespect his wife by cheating on her, but then again, it seems in this cultural context, it's more acceptable for a man to go outside of his marriage. I have a feeling that it's not seen as an issue of respect, because the husband's happiness is considered paramount and the women aren't supposed to challenge a man's happiness. Sara already noted this with Fusena, who has to accept Ali's wish to marry Esi.
I wish that I could have gotten more of Opokya's persepective focused on her life and her marriage. She was almost more intriguing to me than Esi, since she was struggling with blending both the traditional and modern systems. I'm glad she finally ends up with a car(!) but I would have liked to have known the impact that it would have on her marriage and home life.
I feel like I could say more, but it is late and I am starting to ramble. I will post later when I have more energy.
Finished the rest of the book. Wow. I have to say the ending is pretty disheartening. The poem on page 3 (which I actually think are random thoughts running through Esi's head in the "silence" (3) before she says her car is outside) is totally indicative of how their relationship turns out in the end. The line "pad up where resources are scarce or just for cool profit" makes me think of all the gifts (padding) that Ali gives Esi to distract her from the fact that he never sees her (he's a scarce resource). Esi herself reflects that although he "loved her in his own fashion... she became certain ... that his fashion of loving had proved quite inadequate for her" (165). The "cool profit" is his ability to have this relationship, and to decide when he's a part of it and when he's not. This "strange message" (3) is a warning to her, not to be taken in by this man who puts her in a "trance" (3).
ReplyDeleteOther things: I was really surprised by Kubi's attempt to have sex with Esi. He seems like a decent man, who wouldn't disrespect his wife by cheating on her, but then again, it seems in this cultural context, it's more acceptable for a man to go outside of his marriage. I have a feeling that it's not seen as an issue of respect, because the husband's happiness is considered paramount and the women aren't supposed to challenge a man's happiness. Sara already noted this with Fusena, who has to accept Ali's wish to marry Esi.
I wish that I could have gotten more of Opokya's persepective focused on her life and her marriage. She was almost more intriguing to me than Esi, since she was struggling with blending both the traditional and modern systems. I'm glad she finally ends up with a car(!) but I would have liked to have known the impact that it would have on her marriage and home life.
I feel like I could say more, but it is late and I am starting to ramble. I will post later when I have more energy.
I feel exhausted, relieved, and sad that the story is over. I learned so much about African culture and the different dynamics of particular family members within that culture. I also learned that affairs of the heart know no borders. I was so proud of Esi for resisting Kubi's advances toward her at the very end. As vulnerable and hurt she was at that very moment, and no matter how nice it felt to not be alone-her friendship with Opokuya overode those fleeting feelings. I have to say, to Alyssa, that I was not really surprised that Kubi attempted to engage Esi. I think that trhoughout the book there was an underlying foreshadowing of that final event. When Esi awakes in her bed and sees the car pull up I had a strange feeling there was going to be a bit more drama with Kubi involved.
ReplyDeleteI would reccomend this book to anyone who wanted to learn a bit more about African culture, Ghana, from a women's perspective.
End note: I won't be in class tomorrow because I do not feel well and I lost my voice today :( I will miss this discussion badly but look forward to doing it with everyone and Carol on Tuesday next week. Carol my seminar paper is on it's way via email as we speak!
Sorry to keep deleting! Finding typos...
ReplyDeleteAddressing question 8 on the guide regarding the women characters' role to motherhood,I think that the three main characters show a gradient of progress in the modernization of a woman's role in motherhood with Esi really typifying the modern African mother. While all three have come a long way from the women's role to bear seven to eight children and be with them for 24 hours of the day, Esi has only her one daughter, who is usually taken care of by Oko's household since she is constantly traveling to work.
I think that the main changes in society that allow for these women to breakaway from their traditional roles as mothers is the change in economy and technology that allows women to earn more money and therefore allow themselves to dictate their roles as mothers. An example is early in the book when Aidoo describes Oko's thoughts on Esi's birth control. "She was on those dreadful birth control things: pills, loops or whatever. She had gone on them soon after the child was born, and no amount of reasoning and pleading had pursuaded her to go off them" (8). Oko even knew that Esi was on birth control but he was unable to stop her from taking them. I think this is mainly because Esi can survive if she ever decided to leave Oko and Oko knew this. This control is a huge step for her autonomy in deciding her role in motherhood.
As for whether these women are different than most women in Africa, I would guess so since I feel that these women represent the academic elite of their country. All three went to college and all three could at least have professional careers. Again, we all know that Esi is financially well off with her own bungalow and car. They are relatively atypical examples of African women I think. From my own personal experience in the Gambia, I met maybe seven or eight women that were educated and made enough money to be completely financially independent (Most of them worked for Peace Corps). The other hundreds of adult women I knew either farmed or had a marketplace kiosk like Fusena depending largely on their husbands for support.
So while Africa's a big place and I'm pretty certain that these three women are not typical of African in general, I believe that they are testaments of what African mothers could and perhaps should be in the eventual future.
After finishing the book, I concur that the book's ending was pretty depressing. I was surprised by Kubi too. I guess he was acting so cold to Esi all those times at Opokuya's house to detract attention from his secret attraction...
ReplyDeleteBut anyway I respect the storytelling for its realism in that not everything ended happily. I also enjoyed it as a poignant narrative of how social change was creating conflicting roles. It showed that a culture that once thrived in an era of subsistence farming where marriage is an institution of pragmatism rather than love is becoming "obsolete" in a new era where women are becoming empowered by better education and careers.
One of my favorite quotes is when Esi goes to her mother and grandmother for approval for her marriage. I was intrigued by how Esi's grandmother Nana wasn't indoctrinated by her culture. Regarding women's place in society, she says, "Do I think it must always be so? Certainly not. It can be changed. It can be better. Life on this earth need not always be some humans being gods and others being sacrificial animals. Indeed, that can be changed. But it would take so much" (111). I was really ready for her to just continue spewing all the evils of Esi's actions like Esi's mother was during that conversation. So I was surprised and encouraged that a woman of her generation could have such an enlightened perspective.
Reading this book has been a great experience for me since I have never read a novel by an African woman before. Before reading this novel, I expected to be lectured on how the western world has altered old and sacred Ghanaian traditions. I was surprised to find that the novel was spoken through a different perspective, that of an educated Ghanaian woman. Aside from learning about the traditions in Ghana, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of how Ghanaian women viewed the expectations that are placed on them by their society in the twentieth century.
ReplyDeleteI was also surprised by how individuals are influenced by their culture and how similar the stereotypes are in America and Ghana. Although Americans are less critical of divorced couples, some parents of these individuals become concerned with how society views their children. Many continue to believe that single men and women who have gone through a divorce are lonely and difficult when the reason why they had a divorce was simply because of a work issue.
Even though some of her family members and friends were uncomfortable with her divorce, I’m glad that Esi continued to live by herself since she is able to focus on her work which has always made her happy.
I’m glad to learn something new about African culture and literature after finishing the book. The ending is sad and surprising to me.
ReplyDeleteGender roles and family relationships are the two factors that I specifically pay attention to throughout the story.
Back to the time set of this novel, what Esi and Opokuya do are extraordinary in terms of being independent in their life and determined in choosing how they should live. They are two successful women because they value education. Esi is a committed woman but I don’t think she is patient. When she falls in love with Ali and accepts to be his second wife, she thinks it would be a marriage she’s been looking for but in the end it turns out to be just another disappointing commitment to her when Ali can not give up his way of chasing girls. I feel bad for Esi’s feeling – alone and isolated at the end of the story.
Kubi is the character that I did not pay attention a lot but when I found out his attention of having sex with Esi, I have to go back and review the parts written about him. At first, he treats Esi more or less of a sister but the writer did give a hint about Opokuya’s doubt about her best friend and husband relationship. However, I can’t help wondering about her feeling if she ever finds out about her husband who appears to be a nice fellow.
Anyway, it was a good novel to read, it brought me from surprise to surprise about how African culture is and show me to a different world and tradition.
All done reading 'Changes.' Does anyone not really like Esi? I don't. I definetly appreciate her drive to live independently aside from the culture and customs of her society, but at times I feel as though she was very selfish.
ReplyDeleteI don't really feel bad for her at the end of the story. Especially after her little makeout session with Kubi. Yes, she did resist in the end, but it's just annoying that she even let it get to that point. Opokuya is her friend, more like a sister right?
It does makes me sad that she did follow her heart, only for it to lead her back to loneliness where she was already at before the fact. Leason learned though, I supposed.
All and all, I enjoyed reading the book.
We had a good final discussion of Changes: A Love Story.
ReplyDeleteThe ending of changes definitely rang bitter-sweet for me. Throughout the book, apart of me foreshadowed that it would end badly for Esi. Although personally i don't think it was a terrible ending for her, because I know that if she never were to divorce Oko and pursue Ali, she would have felt just as depressed for the rest of her life. I was torn all through the book as to what to feel about Esi. At times I found her self-absorbed and cold. I also felt that these were the qualities that allowed her to strive further than other women. She essentially just had the characteristics of a man in that culture. This offended other women, and intimidated men. Perhaps that was the reason why Kubi jumped on Esi at the end of the book. It was an attempt to overpower Esi and boost his own ego.
ReplyDeleteI
This book CHANGES is about the social changes that took place in Ghana after their political independence. these was socio-economic changes that effected almost all cultural standards and values. Characters of this book are divided in to two groups.
ReplyDeleteFirst group are the propagators of the changes and new styles. Esi and Ali was representing this group, they like to be moderate, independent and do what they like to.
The second group are advocates of traditional way of leaving, and like to do every this according to the culture they inherited. Opokuya, Oko and most of the elders are among this group.
Esi is the hero character, and the pioneer of the changes, she is well educated, career minded, independent, and she does what she want to. She doesn’t want to be traditional Mom that play her main role of raising number of children and making the house. But she rather put her priority to her career life. This caused her family to apart and divorced her husband.
Esi found Ali who was attractive and well educated, as a man of her choice, that never contradict her career life and busy schedule. Esi and Ali fall in love and finally agree to get married. They had good early days together, but after some time Esi felt sort of loneliness and demanded her new husband to have more time with her.
At the end the Esi and Ali relation has breached down, and Esi decided to leave alone.
I were following closely to Esi as the hero of the story, and as the pioneer of the change.
She had courage of deciding what she want for her self, she proved her strength and capabilities of independence. Yet, she didn’t have happy live, but instead she felt at last left alone, as she was away from her daughter, family and other members of her community. I was kind of disappointed from her for not being the success model of the story.
The Author seems as advocate of balancing between modernization and cultural values. Opokuya, who was educated women as well, was able to manage better life some were in between being professional and not ignoring all traditions.
Dear Women's Global Literature CLASS: I have been very impressed and pleased with your blogging. I know this is the "extra" but necessary hybrid part of our discussion class, but it has shown your "ability" to dialogue and have great insights and understandings about our novel, Changes: A Love Story. I look forward to our next books.
ReplyDeleteCarol Hamilton, Reader Guide and Teacher