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    The Girl Who Can - Long Notes

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    Animesh Bhakat
    In the short story "The Girl Who Can" by Ama Ata Aidoo, the protagonist faces societal constraints as a woman that limit her ability to pursue her aspirations. Through the character of the grandmother, Aidoo examines the intergenerational conflict between traditional gender roles and the protagonist's desire for independence. As a symbol of cultural traditions, the grandmother transmits societal expectations that confine women's roles but her character also subtly challenges the rigidity of these expectations. The generation gap between the grandmother and protagonist's perspectives highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and pushing for progressive change.

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    The Girl Who Can - Long Notes

    Uploaded by

    Animesh Bhakat
    2K views3 pages
    In the short story "The Girl Who Can" by Ama Ata Aidoo, the protagonist faces societal constraints as a woman that limit her ability to pursue her aspirations. Through the character of the grandmother, Aidoo examines the intergenerational conflict between traditional gender roles and the protagonist's desire for independence. As a symbol of cultural traditions, the grandmother transmits societal expectations that confine women's roles but her character also subtly challenges the rigidity of these expectations. The generation gap between the grandmother and protagonist's perspectives highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and pushing for progressive change.

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    The Girl who Can- Long Notes

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    In the short story "The Girl Who Can" by Ama Ata Aidoo, the protagonist faces societal constraints as a woman that limit her ability to pursue her aspirations. Through the character of the grandmother, Aidoo examines the intergenerational conflict between traditional gender roles and the protagonist's desire for independence. As a symbol of cultural traditions, the grandmother transmits societal expectations that confine women's roles but her character also subtly challenges the rigidity of these expectations. The generation gap between the grandmother and protagonist's perspectives highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and pushing for progressive change.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    2K views3 pages

    The Girl Who Can - Long Notes

    Uploaded by

    Animesh Bhakat
    In the short story "The Girl Who Can" by Ama Ata Aidoo, the protagonist faces societal constraints as a woman that limit her ability to pursue her aspirations. Through the character of the grandmother, Aidoo examines the intergenerational conflict between traditional gender roles and the protagonist's desire for independence. As a symbol of cultural traditions, the grandmother transmits societal expectations that confine women's roles but her character also subtly challenges the rigidity of these expectations. The generation gap between the grandmother and protagonist's perspectives highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and pushing for progressive change.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 3

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    The Girl who Can: Long Notes


    1). How does Ama Ata Aidoo depict the conflict of space for women in the social
    domain in her short story "The Girl who can"? (V.U.C.C.11,2020), (V.U.C.C.11,2022)
    OR
    How does Ama Ata Aidoo represent patriarchy and submission of women in The Girl
    Who Can"? (W.B.S.U,C.C.14,2022)

    Ans:- Introduction:- Ama Ata Aidoo, a prominent Ghanaian author, delves into the
    complexities of gender dynamics and the societal constraints faced by women in her short
    story "The Girl Who Can." Within this narrative, Aidoo vividly depicts the conflict of space for
    women in the social domain, highlighting the struggles, expectations, and limitations
    imposed upon female characters. Through a nuanced exploration of the protagonist's
    experiences, Aidoo provides a thought-provoking commentary on the challenges women
    encounter in claiming their space within the broader societal landscape.

    Exploration of the Conflict of Space for Women in "The Girl Who Can”:-

    (i). Traditional Gender Roles:- Aidoo introduces the reader to a society deeply entrenched
    in traditional gender roles. Women are expected to conform to predetermined spaces,
    primarily confined to domestic roles and subservient positions. The protagonist, in her desire
    to break free from these roles, faces resistance and criticism.

    (ii). Educational Aspirations:- The conflict of space extends to education, where the
    protagonist's aspirations clash with societal expectations. Aidoo portrays the challenges
    women encounter in pursuing academic and intellectual spaces traditionally reserved for
    men. The struggle to assert oneself in an educational setting becomes a focal point for
    examining the limitations imposed on women.

    (iii). Marriage as a Contested Space:- Aidoo explores the institution of marriage as a


    contested space for women. The protagonist is expected to conform to societal norms and
    accept a predefined role as a wife and mother. The tension between personal aspirations
    and societal expectations becomes palpable as the protagonist navigates the complexities of
    marital space.

    (iv). Male Dominance and Power Dynamics:- The narrative sheds light on the pervasive
    male dominance that further restricts women's space.Power dynamics within relationships
    and societal structures are explored, illustrating the challenges women face in asserting
    themselves against entrenched male authority.

    (v). Resilience and Agency:- Despite the societal constraints, Aidoo presents the
    protagonist as a resilient figure who strives to carve out her own space. The narrative
    emphasizes the importance of agency and the determination to challenge societal norms,
    illustrating the potential for change.

    Conclusion:- In "The Girl Who Can," Ama Ata Aidoo masterfully portrays the conflict of
    space for women in the social domain, unraveling the intricacies of societal expectations,
    2

    gender roles, and the struggle for autonomy. Through the protagonist's journey, Aidoo
    prompts readers to reflect on the persistent challenges faced by women in claiming their
    space within a rigidly defined social structure. The narrative serves as a poignant
    commentary on the need for societal evolution, challenging established norms to pave the
    way for a more inclusive and equitable space for women.

    2). Critically comment on the role of the grandmother in Ama Ata Aidoo's short-story
    "The Girl who Can” (V.U.C.C.11,2021)

    Ans:- Introduction:- Ama Ata Aidoo's short story, "The Girl Who Can," intricately weaves a
    narrative that explores the clash between tradition and individual aspirations. Central to this
    exploration is the character of the grandmother, whose role serves as a critical lens through
    which Aidoo examines the intergenerational dynamics shaping the protagonist's journey. In
    this commentary, we will critically evaluate the multifaceted role played by the grandmother
    and the impact it has on the protagonist's struggle for autonomy.

    The Significance of the Grandmother's Role in "The Girl Who Can”:-

    (i). Custodian of Tradition:- The grandmother embodies traditional values and cultural
    norms, serving as a custodian of the established order. Through her character, Aidoo
    introduces the reader to the deeply ingrained expectations and gender roles within the
    society depicted in the story.

    (ii). Transmission of Expectations:- The grandmother becomes a conduit for the


    transmission of societal expectations, particularly regarding the role of women. Her influence
    contributes to shaping the protagonist's perception of what is deemed acceptable, reinforcing
    the constraints imposed on women within the community.

    (iii). Generation Gap and Conflict:- Aidoo skillfully portrays the generation gap between
    the grandmother and the protagonist. The clash between traditional values upheld by the
    grandmother and the protagonist's desire for independence becomes a focal point,
    highlighting the tension between preserving cultural heritage and challenging restrictive
    norms.

    (iv). Limiting Agency:- The grandmother's adherence to traditional gender roles


    inadvertently limits the agency of the protagonist. Her conservative beliefs contribute to the
    societal constraints that hinder the protagonist's ability to explore her potential beyond the
    prescribed roles for women.

    (v). Symbolism of Resistance:- Despite being a symbol of tradition, the grandmother also
    serves as a subtle symbol of resistance. Her character, while upholding traditional values,
    subtly challenges the rigidity of societal expectations by embodying the complexities of
    navigating cultural norms within a changing world.

    Conclusion:- In "The Girl Who Can," Ama Ata Aidoo utilizes the character of the
    grandmother to offer a nuanced exploration of the clash between tradition and individual
    autonomy. The grandmother serves as a conduit for the transmission of societal
    expectations, contributing to the conflict faced by the protagonist in her quest for
    3

    independence. While emblematic of entrenched cultural values, the grandmother also


    symbolizes the subtle resistance inherent in navigating generational shifts. Aidoo's portrayal
    prompts readers to reflect on the intricate interplay between tradition and progress, inviting
    critical examination of the roles individuals play in shaping and challenging societal norms.

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