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Questions and Answers
What is the main intention of Anansewa's marriage in the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
What is the main intention of Anansewa's marriage in the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
What is symbolized by Anansewa's spider webs in the play?
What is symbolized by Anansewa's spider webs in the play?
What is the main theme of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
What is the main theme of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
Who is the author of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
Who is the author of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
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What is the cultural significance of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
What is the cultural significance of the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
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What is the character of Efua like in the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
What is the character of Efua like in the play 'The Marriage of Anansewa'?
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Study Notes
The Marriage of Anansewa
Background
- A play written by Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland in 1975
- Based on a traditional Akan folktale from Ghana
Plot
- The story revolves around Anansewa, the spider trickster, who decides to marry
- Anansewa's intention is to acquire wealth and status through his marriage
- He chooses a chief's daughter, Efua, as his bride
- Anansewa's cleverness and cunning are used to outwit his in-laws and gain control over Efua's family's wealth
Themes
- The struggle for power and status in traditional Ghanaian society
- The use of cunning and trickery to achieve one's goals
- The tension between traditional values and modernity
Character Analysis
- Anansewa: the spider trickster, cunning and clever, but also manipulative and selfish
- Efua: the chief's daughter, naive and obedient, but ultimately trapped in a marriage she does not want
Symbolism
- Anansewa's spider webs symbolize his cleverness and ability to trap others
- The marriage ceremony represents the union of traditional and modern values
Cultural Significance
- The play explores the cultural heritage of Ghana and the importance of traditional values
- It highlights the tensions between modernity and tradition in Ghanaian society
Impact
- The play has been widely performed and studied in Ghana and beyond
- It has contributed to the development of Ghanaian literature and theatre
- It has also helped to promote cultural awareness and understanding of Ghanaian traditions
The Marriage of Anansewa
Background
- Written by Efua Sutherland in 1975
- Based on a traditional Akan folktale from Ghana
Plot
- Revolves around Anansewa, the spider trickster, who marries to acquire wealth and status
- Anansewa chooses Efua, a chief's daughter, as his bride
- He uses cunning and cleverness to outwit his in-laws and gain control over Efua's family's wealth
Themes
- Struggle for power and status in traditional Ghanaian society
- Use of cunning and trickery to achieve goals
- Tension between traditional values and modernity
Character Analysis
- Anansewa: cunning, clever, manipulative, and selfish
- Efua: naive, obedient, and trapped in an unwanted marriage
Symbolism
- Anansewa's spider webs: symbolize his cleverness and ability to trap others
- Marriage ceremony: represents the union of traditional and modern values
Cultural Significance
- Explores Ghana's cultural heritage and importance of traditional values
- Highlights tensions between modernity and tradition in Ghanaian society
Impact
- Widely performed and studied in Ghana and beyond
- Contributed to development of Ghanaian literature and theatre
- Promotes cultural awareness and understanding of Ghanaian traditions
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Description
A play by Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland based on a traditional Akan folktale. The story revolves around Anansewa's cunning marriage to acquire wealth and status.
