Cockcrow Literature on the Girl Who Can By Ama Ata Aidoo

Cockcrow Literature on the Girl Who Can By Ama Ata Aidoo

Summary of the entire story, major themes explored”The Girl Who Can” by Ama Ata Aidoo is a profound exploration of identity, societal expectations, and personal empowerment set in Ghana.

The story follows Adjoa, a seven-year-old girl who is sensitive to the critical remarks of her grandmother, Nana, who constantly disapproves of Adjoa’s legs for being too thin to bear children, a crucial expectation for women in their culture.

The narrative is presented through the innocent and curious perspective of Adjoa, which adds depth to the thematic elements of tradition, modernity, and gender roles. In the rural setting where the family lives, women are largely valued for their ability to become mothers. Nana often reminds Adjoa of this, lamenting that her legs, which are so skinny, will not fulfill this cultural expectation.

This criticism reflects a broader societal concern in Ghana (and many other places) about the role and expectations of women.Adjoa’s relationship with her mother and grandmother introduces readers to the generational dynamics that shape her worldview. Her mother, though more understanding, offers little to counter Nana’s opinions, remaining silent but supportive of her daughter’s growth.

Despite the criticism from her grandmother, Adjoa’s mother encourages her to find her path, even if it challenges traditional values.Adjoa’s turning point comes when she excels at running, using her supposedly inadequate legs to win a race. This achievement is symbolic. Adjoa’s talent in athletics shows a break from societal expectations that confine women to specific roles, like childbearing.

Through running, Adjoa gains recognition and begins to develop a new sense of self-worth beyond the limitations imposed by her culture. Her grandmother, although slow to accept this new reality, eventually shows a sense of pride in Adjoa’s accomplishment, albeit subtly. This shift in her grandmother’s attitude suggests a slow but possible change in societal views towards women and their abilities.

Themes from the Girl Who Can By Ama Ata Aidoo (Cockcrow Literature Story)

1. Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles: Adjoa’s grandmother embodies the traditional views of womanhood, where the ability to bear children is paramount. Adjoa’s success in running symbolizes the possibility of women excelling in non-traditional roles, challenging these views.

2. Self-Discovery and Identity: Adjoa’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she learns to see herself beyond the criticisms of her grandmother and the societal limitations placed on her.

3. Generational Differences: The relationship between Adjoa, her mother, and grandmother highlights the generational gap in perceptions of women’s roles. While Nana holds on to traditional views, Adjoa’s mother symbolizes a more supportive, albeit silent, figure in her daughter’s self-discovery.

4. Empowerment and Breaking Boundaries: Adjoa’s success in running serves as a metaphor for breaking free from societal constraints, demonstrating that individual talents and abilities can transcend traditional expectations.

“The Girl Who Can” masterfully weaves together themes of tradition, gender roles, and self-empowerment in the context of a young girl’s experience growing up in a rural Ghanaian village. Through Adjoa’s personal growth, Ama Ata Aidoo critiques the rigid expectations of women in society and offers a vision of empowerment where young girls can redefine their roles and potential.

Excerpts of the Full Story By Ama Ata Aidoo (Cockcrow Literature on The Girl Who Can)

I was born in a large village called Hazuzi in the central region of Ghana. Even when much of Africa is suffering from drought, Hazuzi lies in a fertile lowland with good soil. That’s why my grandmother Nana often says I don’t know how good I have it and the problems others face.My main problem, as I see it, is that at 7 years old, there are many thoughts and ideas in my head that I struggle to express properly.

I often find it difficult to decide whether to stay quiet or try to share my thoughts, knowing I just get laughed at by the adults. Nana especially has a habit of laughing uncontrollably whenever I try to share something I’ve been pondering. She’ll mock me, asking “Ajwa, you say what?” and then burst into laughter until she’s in tears.

I find this very confusing – I don’t understand why some things I say are seen as funny, while others are met with scolding and being told not to repeat them.One constant topic of discussion between Nana and my mother is my thin, long legs. They seem to think they are unsuitable for a woman and won’t support child-bearing hips.

Nana goes on about how a woman’s legs should have “meat on them” to be considered proper. My mother tries to defend me, but Nana always shuts her down.Another point of contention is my schooling. Nana thinks it’s a waste of time, but my mother is determined for me to learn to read, write and do basic math, believing it will open up opportunities for me later in life.

Recently, I was selected to represent my school in district athletic competitions, to Nana’s surprise and grudging pride.After I won every race and brought home a trophy, Nana had a change of heart. She took great care washing and ironing my school uniform, walked me to the competitions, and proudly carried the trophy home to show my mother.

Even she had to admit that my thin legs could be useful for running and winning. I’m still learning to navigate the strange ways of the adults in my life. But I’m glad I was able to show them, without having to say it directly, that my legs can do more than just bear children. There’s more to a person than what society deems “proper” for a woman.

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