Question

Difficulty: MediumTextual Analysis of Prescribed African Drama

In Efua Sutherland's prescribed African drama *The Marriage of Anansewa*, match each character on the left with their corresponding dramatic role or action in the play.

  • AnanseDevises the elaborate scheme of trickery to gain financial security by promising his daughter to several chiefs simultaneously.
  • AnansewaFeigns death in the dramatic climax to test the motives and true generosity of the rival suitors.
  • ChristieActs as an essential accomplice who uses urban sophistication and tact to help maintain the web of deceit.
  • PostmanServes as a structural plot catalyst by delivering critical letters and gifts from prospective royal suitors.

Answer

Ananse matches with devising the scheme of trickery with multiple chiefs; Anansewa matches with feigning death to test suitor motives; Christie matches with acting as an accomplice using urban sophistication; and Postman matches with serving as a structural catalyst by delivering letters and gifts.
Each character in Efua Sutherland's play fulfills a specific function in the Anansegoro tradition: Ananse functions as the cunning trickster who weaves the web; Anansewa is the dutiful daughter who executes the mock-death climax; Christie provides resourceful assistance and worldly charm; and the Postman acts as the functional messenger initiating each stage of suitor negotiations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary character traits and actions of the protagonist Ananse in *The Marriage of Anansewa*.
Ananse is established as the mastermind trickster who promises his daughter to Chief-of-the-Mines, Chief of Aknessi, and others.
This links Ananse directly to the creation of the deceitful suitors' web.
2
Analyze the dramatic function of Anansewa during the play's climax.
Anansewa cooperates with her father to fake her death during the suitor trials.
This action allows Ananse to evaluate the true character and gifts of Chief Who-Is-Chief versus the other suitors.
3
Examine the supportive role of Christie and the functional role of the Postman.
Christie serves as Ananse's stylish ally in deception, while the Postman physically transmits the suitors' responses.
Matching these secondary characters clarifies the plot structure and helper roles in Ghanaian storytelling drama.

Key Concept

Textual and Character Analysis in Prescribed African Drama
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