Aidoo uses the relationship between Anowa and Kofi Ako to explore how traditional expectations of men and women affect marriage, love, and self-identity.
1. Expectations of Women
In Yebi, women are expected to marry suitable men, bear children, and support their husbands. Badua, Anowa’s mother, strongly believes in these roles. She pressures Anowa to marry a wealthy man who can provide, and she dreams of having grandchildren.
Anowa rejects this, insisting on choosing her own partner.
She also refuses to accept a submissive role in her marriage, instead wanting to work alongside her husband as equals.
2. Expectations of Men
Men are expected to be providers, strong, and capable of leading their families. Kofi Ako, however, fails to meet these ideals:
He is considered lazy by Badua at the beginning.
Later, though he gains wealth through slavery, his reliance on exploitation rather than hard work undermines his role as a responsible man.
His impotence ultimately challenges his masculinity and sense of identity, leading to his tragic suicide.
3. The Struggle in Their Marriage
The clash between Anowa’s vision of marriage and Kofi Ako’s view creates conflict:
Anowa wants partnership and shared effort.
Kofi Ako wants control, wealth, and status, expecting Anowa to fit into the traditional role of a silent, obedient wife.
Their inability to reconcile these differences leads to alienation and tragedy.
4. Symbolism of Childlessness
Childlessness becomes another symbol of broken gender roles. In traditional society, a woman’s worth is tied to motherhood, while a man’s legacy is tied to heirs. Their lack of children intensifies the strain in their marriage and fuels gossip from society, making their union appear cursed or incomplete.
Conclusion
The theme of gender roles and marriage in Anowa shows how rigid cultural expectations can destroy love and partnership. Anowa challenges traditional roles and seeks equality, but her society and her husband are not ready for such change. Their tragedy reflects the dangers of trying to live differently in a culture bound by strict gender norms.
