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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason that Adjoa enjoys walking long distances to school?
What is the primary reason that Adjoa enjoys walking long distances to school?
What motivates Adjoa's mother to support her education?
What motivates Adjoa's mother to support her education?
How does Nana initially respond to the news of Adjoa being selected as a runner?
How does Nana initially respond to the news of Adjoa being selected as a runner?
What change occurs in Nana's behavior after Adjoa's athletic recognition?
What change occurs in Nana's behavior after Adjoa's athletic recognition?
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What does Adjoa's victory signify for her family?
What does Adjoa's victory signify for her family?
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What is the primary theme of most stories in Aidoo's anthology?
What is the primary theme of most stories in Aidoo's anthology?
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How does Aidoo's writing style affect the storytelling in 'The Girl Who Can'?
How does Aidoo's writing style affect the storytelling in 'The Girl Who Can'?
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What is Adjoa's main struggle in the story?
What is Adjoa's main struggle in the story?
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What is Nana's perspective on Adjoa's physical appearance?
What is Nana's perspective on Adjoa's physical appearance?
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What aspect of tradition does Adjoa grapple with in her interactions with Nana?
What aspect of tradition does Adjoa grapple with in her interactions with Nana?
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Why does Nana lament Adjoa's physical state?
Why does Nana lament Adjoa's physical state?
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Which narrative perspective is used in 'The Girl Who Can'?
Which narrative perspective is used in 'The Girl Who Can'?
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What societal issue is notably addressed through Adjoa’s character?
What societal issue is notably addressed through Adjoa’s character?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Anthology
- Title: The Girl Who Can and Other Stories, published in 1997.
- Author: Ama Ata Aidoo, notable for strong female protagonists.
- Themes: Explores maternity, reproductive issues, feminism, societal gender roles, misogyny, and postcolonialism.
- Writing Style: Clear and conversational prose inspired by the oral traditions of the Fanti people.
The Story: "The Girl Who Can"
- Narrative Style: Written in first person, enhancing the intimate connection with the young narrator, Adjoa.
- Setting: Central Region of Ghana, specifically the village of Hasodzi.
- Main Character: Adjoa, a seven-year-old girl, lives with her mother (Maami) and grandmother (Nana).
Adjoa’s Internal Conflict
- Communication Struggles: Adjoa feels silenced and ridiculed, struggling to articulate her thoughts due to the mixed reactions from Nana.
- Nana’s Duality: Exhibits hypocrisy by sometimes reprimanding Adjoa and other times laughing at her innocence.
Societal Expectations and Family Dynamics
- Appearance Concerns: Nana criticizes Adjoa's thin legs, fearing they may hinder her future childbearing capabilities.
- Blame Culture: Nana believes Adjoa's leg shape is a personal failing, tied to her mother's poor choice in a husband.
- Curiosity and Innocence: Adjoa is confused about the imaginary ideal of "childbearing legs," as she is capable and active.
Education and Aspirations
- Value of Education: Maami emphasizes the importance of schooling for Adjoa, desiring her daughter to escape ignorance.
- Daily Routine: Adjoa walks five kilometers to school, demonstrating her enthusiasm for learning despite the distance.
Turning Point
- Athletic Recognition: Adjoa is selected as a runner for her school's district sports events.
- Family Reaction: Initial disbelief from Nana, but later shows pride by helping Adjoa prepare her uniform.
Conclusion and Growth
- Achievement: Adjoa wins an award as the best all-around junior athlete, transforming opinions about her thin legs.
- Family Pride: Nana's pride leads to a shift in family dynamics, celebrating Adjoa's success rather than lamenting her appearance.
- Adjoa’s Empowerment: Experiences newfound agency and joy in her accomplishments, signaling growth and acceptance within the family.
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Description
Test your understanding of Ama Ata Aidoo's anthology 'The Girl Who Can and Other Stories'. This quiz covers themes such as feminism, maternity, and societal gender roles as depicted in the narratives. Explore how these stories reflect postcolonial influences and the oral literary tradition.
