Aidoo's Changes 2

Instructions for posting your answers to Discussion Questions are as follows:

1. Please provide your in-depth interpretation and analysis on the questions (at least 100 words per Discussion question #1, #2, and #3). Please try to include textual evidence (direct quotes along with the Act and Scene #) in your answer.

2. When you need to summarize the plot, please do not copy words/sentences from the text. You should briefly summarize/paraphrase the plot in your own words.

3. After posting your answers to discussion questions, please read other classmates' posts and add your comments and your thoughts. Please REPLY to two posts per Session (Tuesday and Thursday Sessions, not per Question) and make class discussions more interactive. Please try not to respond to discussion posts that are already commented on by two other classmates. I will enter your participation points in class discussions at the end of the semester.

4. The maximum point you can get per question will be 5 points, and class discussion questions for each session (Tuesday and Thursday sessions) will be counted as a total of 15 points. I will grade each answer based on the extent to which you address each question with a detailed and insightful analysis. Please note that answering a question without any meaningful interpretation and copying sentences from the text will get a zero point.

5. You would not be able to see other classmates' posts before you post. Please note that it takes several hours in reading the assigned text and completing discussion questions. Please give yourself enough time to answer the questions and participate in class discussions before the deadline (not two-three hours before the deadline). Your problem with access to the internet cannot be used as an excuse. The discussion site will be closed after the deadline, 11:59 pm (*There are no make-ups for missed discussion questions.)

6. Please click REPLY to put your answers to the discussion questions.

1. Why does Opokuya oppose Esi's decision to divorce Oko? What does she try to say by telling Esi, "Our societies have no patience with the unmarried woman" (48)? Why is Esi telling Opokuya, "I'm sure there'll be no solution for me. Unless I meet a man who is prepared to accept my lifestyle" (48)? Is Esi's thinking too modern, or is she unrealistic about the real status of women in Ghanaian society? Is Opokuya sympathetic to Esi's situation? Why do you think Opokuya feels envious of Esi's "freedom of movement" (56)? Does Opokuya think she is happily married?

2. What did Fusena do before she married Ali? Why couldn't she continue to do her work after her marriage to Ali? While living in London as Ali's wife, Fusena felt "the loss" (66), and "it occurred to her that life should offer more than marriage" (66). Why did Fusena feel that way? What was Fusena dissatisfied with? Once Ali and Fusena have returned to Ghana, she wants to resume her teaching career, but Ali does not allow Fusena to go back to teaching. Why? How would you characterize Ali? Later, when Ali tells her that he is planning to take a second wife, Fusena asks him whether "she has a university degree" (99). Why does she ask that question? Why does Fusena remove her veil, and what does her action signify?

3. While dating Ali, Esi thinks that "after all living alone was not the unpleasant business people made it seem" (81). Then, why does Esi agree to become Ali's second wife? Has Ali discussed his plan to take a second wife with Fusena? Why does he want Esi to wear a ring, and why does she feel uncomfortable with his idea? What is the main reason Esi's mother disagrees with Esi's decision to become Ali's second wife? Despite her initial disapproval, Esi's mother eventually approves of Esi's decision. Why? What is the main reason Opokuya disapproves of Esi's marriage to Ali? Why is Opokuya telling Esi that the first rule of polygamy is "already broken" (97)?