THE PLOT STRUCTURE OF EFUA T SUTHERLAND “MARRIAGE OF ANANSEWA”

THE PLOT STRUCTURE OF EFUA T SUTHERLAND “MARRIAGE OF ANANSEWA”

The plot of The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua T. Sutherland is carefully structured to reflect both the traditional folktale pattern of Anansesem and the conventions of modern drama. The events of the play revolve around Pa Kweku George Ananse and his elaborate plan to escape poverty by arranging a profitable marriage for his daughter. From the beginning, the playwright establishes a comic yet morally complex situation that gradually builds tension and leads to a dramatic resolution. The plot progresses logically through a series of calculated actions and consequences, revealing the ingenuity and flaws of the protagonist.

The exposition introduces the major characters and the central conflict of the play. Ananse is presented as a poor widower struggling to survive in post-independence Ghana. His daughter, Anansewa, is introduced as a beautiful, educated young woman being trained for marriage. The audience also meets Christie, the proprietor of the Institute for Prospective Brides, as well as Aya and Ekuwa, the elderly women who represent tradition. Through narration and dialogue, the audience learns of Ananse’s desire to improve his economic status and his intention to use his daughter’s marriage as a means to that end. This stage of the plot lays the foundation for the events that follow.

The rising action begins when Ananse decides to “shop” for wealthy suitors for Anansewa. He secretly sends her photographs to four rich chiefs in different parts of the country and writes letters to them, making each believe that he alone is being considered for marriage. Anansewa’s role in typing these letters adds dramatic irony, as she unknowingly assists in her own exploitation. The arrival of responses and gifts from the suitors increases Ananse’s confidence and deepens the complexity of his scheme. Tension rises as the number of suitors grows and the risk of exposure becomes more pronounced.

As the plot develops further, complications arise. Anansewadiscovers the truth about the marriage arrangements and strongly objects, accusing her father of treating her like a commodity. However, after emotional persuasion and reminders of the family’s poverty, she reluctantly agrees to cooperate. The outdooring ceremony takes place, signaling her readiness for marriage and moving the plot to a more advanced stage. At this point, the presence of Aya and Ekuwa becomes a potential threat to Ananse’s plan, leading to their removal from the household under false pretences.

The climax of the play occurs with the bold and daring decision to fake Anansewa’s death. Faced with the imminent arrival of all four suitors to perform the head-drink ceremony, Ananserealizes that his scheme is on the verge of collapse. In a desperate attempt to save himself from public disgrace, he stages his daughter’s death. Anansewa lies in state while messengers from the suitors arrive to pay their condolences. This moment represents the highest point of tension, as the success or failure of Ananse’s entire plan depends on whether the deception will be exposed.

The falling action follows as the consequences of the fake death begin to unfold. Convinced that Anansewa is truly dead, the messengers of three of the chiefs withdraw their marriage intentions and contribute to funeral expenses. Only Chief-Who-Is-Chief’s representatives behave differently, revealing a more genuine concern. The deception successfully eliminates the unwanted suitors and reduces the complexity of the situation. Gradually, tension decreases as Ananse regains control over the circumstances he created.

The resolution of the plot comes with the revelation that Anansewa is alive and the arrangement of her marriage to Chief-Who-Is-Chief, the suitor she truly loves. Ananse’s immediate goal of escaping poverty is achieved, as he benefits from the gifts received from the suitors. However, the ending retains a satirical tone, reminding the audience that Ananse’s success is morally questionable. The plot thus concludes in a manner consistent with the Anansesem tradition, where the trickster may succeed temporarily but remains an object of laughter and social criticism.