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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Had to read it for my internship... what a weird ending? I feel so confused. Is this supposed to be a humorous ending, that the man who was caught between the two most important women in his life is suddenly the outcast, and his wife and mother strangers no more?
I have questions.
What is the ghost supposed to signify? Why did the play end in such a manner?
I have questions.
What is the ghost supposed to signify? Why did the play end in such a manner?
read it for school but its very interesting about the commentary on african american and afro caribbean and their romanticization of Africa and the difference between African societies and Western societies
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ato returns to Nigeria after studying abroad in America. He brings with him an unpleasant surprise for his family: An African-American wife. Although Eulalie is initially excited to meet Ato's family (given that she no longer has a family of her own), her westernised perception of what Ghana will be like results in her quickly coming to dislike the community she finds herself in. She does not understand the ways of the people - ways which Ato does not attempt to explain to her. Her ignorance quickly ensures her isolation from her husband's 'people', who in turn come to resent Ato's 'stranger wife'.
Ato's mother and Grandmother cannot comprehend why Eulalie shuns their gifts and does not bear children - Eulalie remains ignorant to their customs, resenting the fact that Ato has not explained that they decided together to delay having children. He instead allows his family to presume that Eulalie was barren.
The play ends with Ato's mother realising that Eualie is not to blame for her ignorant state: the fault lies with Ato, for he has failed to sufficiently introduce and explain the motivations of Eulalie.
By exploring themes of nationality, gender, family and marriage, 'The Dilemma of a Ghost' portrays the difficulty of introducing a newcomer to a community you have always known, a community that constitutes an intrinsic part of who you are.
Ato's mother and Grandmother cannot comprehend why Eulalie shuns their gifts and does not bear children - Eulalie remains ignorant to their customs, resenting the fact that Ato has not explained that they decided together to delay having children. He instead allows his family to presume that Eulalie was barren.
The play ends with Ato's mother realising that Eualie is not to blame for her ignorant state: the fault lies with Ato, for he has failed to sufficiently introduce and explain the motivations of Eulalie.
By exploring themes of nationality, gender, family and marriage, 'The Dilemma of a Ghost' portrays the difficulty of introducing a newcomer to a community you have always known, a community that constitutes an intrinsic part of who you are.
Read Anowa (in this edition) for class and forgot to review it on here. It’s a wonderful play and I have an immense respect for Ama Ata Aidoo and how she challenged her contemporaries within West Africa to face the complexities of the past. Down with the grand narratives of modernity!
I would love to read Dilemma of a Ghost at one point but I am really struggling to read during the virus and being on Goodreads where everyone seems to be productively reading is anxiety inducing. Anyway, here’s hoping for an edit from future Asli at one point!
I would love to read Dilemma of a Ghost at one point but I am really struggling to read during the virus and being on Goodreads where everyone seems to be productively reading is anxiety inducing. Anyway, here’s hoping for an edit from future Asli at one point!
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The dilemma of a ghost 5 stars
Anowa 4 stars
Anowa 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infertility, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Gaslighting
Minor: Death, Suicide
Dilemma of a ghost - 3.5
Anowa - 4.5
Two great plays by a talented writer.
Anowa - 4.5
Two great plays by a talented writer.