Efua Theodora Sutherland (1924–1996) was a renowned Ghanaian playwright, educator, and advocate for children’s literature. She is famous for blending traditional African storytelling with modern theatrical techniques, notably the use of Ananse tales. "The Marriage of Anansewa" is one of her most celebrated works, renowned for its humorous yet critical portrayal of societal issues.
Plot Overview
"The Marriage of Anansewa" follows Ananse, a cunning man who, driven by poverty, plans to marry off his daughter, Anansewa, to the highest bidder. Ananse cleverly invites four wealthy chiefs to compete for her hand in marriage without Anansewa’s knowledge. Complications arise when all four suitors send expensive gifts, expecting Anansewa’s acceptance. Ananse employs a daring strategy—faking his daughter's death—to determine which chief genuinely cares for her. The play ends humorously yet critically, highlighting the commodification of marriage and Ananse’s trickery.
Settings
- Urban Ghanaian Home: The primary location is Ananse’s modest home, representing contemporary Ghanaian urban struggles.
- Traditional Palaces: Each chief represents different traditional communities, highlighting cultural diversity and expectations.
Chapter-by-Chapter Summary (Act-by-Act)
Act 1: Ananse’s Plan
- Ananse devises a scheme to secure wealth through Anansewa's marriage.
- He secretly writes letters to four wealthy chiefs, promising each Anansewa's hand.
Act 2: The Suitors Respond
- Chiefs send lavish gifts to Ananse, competing for Anansewa’s favor.
- Anansewa remains unaware of her father’s manipulations and enjoys the sudden prosperity innocently.
Act 3: Complications and Deceptions
- The chiefs become impatient and pressure Ananse for a final decision.
- Ananse, fearful of retribution, plans to fake Anansewa's death, hoping to identify the genuinely concerned chief.
Act 4: Resolution through Trickery
- Ananse stages Anansewa's funeral, spreading news of her "death" to the chiefs.
- Three chiefs withdraw, concerned only about retrieving their expensive gifts.
- Chief-Who-Is-Chief alone expresses genuine sorrow and concern, revealing sincere affection.
- Ananse joyfully "resurrects" Anansewa, securing her engagement to Chief-Who-Is-Chief, resolving his predicament with comedic yet critical irony.
Major Events
- Ananse’s deceptive letters to multiple suitors.
- Lavish gifts from chiefs creating complications.
- Faked death of Anansewa to test sincerity.
- Final revelation of the sincere suitor and comedic resolution.
Major Themes
Trickery and Deception
- Ananse symbolizes cunning, using deceit as survival.
Greed and Materialism
- Critiques the commodification of marriage and societal obsession with wealth.
Tradition vs. Modernity
- Explores conflicts between traditional customs and modern economic pressures.
Marriage as a Transaction
- Highlights how marriage is often reduced to financial bargaining, ignoring personal choice and love.
Major Characters Summary & Analysis
Ananse
- Role: Protagonist; trickster father.
- Traits: Cunning, opportunistic, humorous.
- Analysis: Embodies societal corruption and survival instincts. His character criticizes manipulative parents who commodify their children for personal gain.
Anansewa
- Role: Daughter and object of marriage schemes.
- Traits: Innocent, obedient, kind-hearted.
- Analysis: Represents youths whose lives and choices are controlled by societal and familial expectations, highlighting issues of women's autonomy.
Chief-Who-Is-Chief
- Role: Wealthy chief; sincere suitor.
- Traits: Generous, sincere, honorable.
- Analysis: Contrasts with other chiefs, emphasizing sincerity and genuine affection, ultimately winning the audience’s empathy.
Christie (Anansewa’s friend)
- Role: Confidante, voice of reason.
- Traits: Observant, sensible, supportive.
- Analysis: Symbolizes younger generations questioning traditional customs and parental control.
Other Chiefs (Chief of Mines, Chief of Sapaase, Chief of Akate)
- Role: Other suitors.
- Traits: Wealthy, selfish, superficial.
- Analysis: Illustrate societal values emphasizing wealth over genuine emotions or morality.
WAEC/NECO-Style Questions
Objective Questions
-
Ananse's primary motive for arranging Anansewa’s marriage was:
- A. Love for his daughter
- B. Desire for social status
- C. Greed and poverty
- D. Religious beliefs
-
Which suitor showed genuine concern for Anansewa's "death"?
- A. Chief of Mines
- B. Chief-Who-Is-Chief
- C. Chief of Sapaase
- D. Chief of Akate
-
Anansewa represents:
- A. Corruption
- B. Traditional elders
- C. Youth manipulated by parental greed
- D. Political authority
Answers: 1. C, 2. B, 3. C
Essay Questions
- Discuss how Efua Sutherland criticizes the commodification of marriage through Ananse’s character.
- Analyze how trickery and deception are used to develop the themes in The Marriage of Anansewa.
- Explain the significance of Anansewa’s character in highlighting women’s autonomy issues within traditional African society.
- Discuss the role and symbolism of Chief-Who-Is-Chief compared to other chiefs.
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