AMMA DARKO: Faceless
1. Comment on Fofo’s visit to Maa Tsuru.
2. To what extent are men portrayed as oppressors of women in the novel?
Explanation
1. (i) Relation to the theme: The visit reflects the trauma of street life, which is a major theme in the novel. This theme shows the helplessness of the street children at the mercy of the forces of neglect and street oppression.
(ii) Character identification:(a) Fofo is a street child and has recently escaped being raped by Poison. (b) She is Maa Tsuru's daughter (c) Maa Tsuru is the mother of Fofo Baby T and other children (d) She has been abused by men. (e) She is 'cursed'.
(iii) Purpose of the visit: (a) Fofo wants to inform her mother of Poison's attempted rape of her. (b) Fofo wants to know why she is being targeted
(iv) The encounter: (a) Maa Tsuru informs Fofo that Kpakpo has abandoned the family. (b) She informed Fofo that Maami Broni has visited her. (c) Fofo learns that Baby T is dead. (d) Fofo blames her mother for Bat death. (e) She also blames her own predicament on her mother. (f) Maa Tsuru breaks down while trying to put up a defence.
(v) The visit delineates characters: (a) Fofo is revealed as a vulnerable girl who is punished unjustly. (b)Maa Tsuru is revealed as a defenseless victim.
(vi) The visit advances the plot: (a) Baby T's death is revealed. (b) Maami Broni's contribution to Baby T's death is revealed. (c) Kpakpo's abandoning Maa Tsuru and the children advance the plot.
(vii) Mother and daughter relationship: (a) Maa Tsuru feels guilty about being unable to protect Fofo and the rest of the family. (b) The daughter blames the mother for her predicament. (c) Fofo loathes her mother.
(2) (1) Relation to theme: The treatment of women by men in a patriarchal society in the novel underscores the theme of gender/social inequality. Men's responsibility to and treatment of women are brought into sharp focus.
(2) Character identification: The following are the male and female characters in the novel: (a) Males: (i) Kwe Kpakpo (husbands of Maa Tsuru). (ii) Onko (relative and neighbour of Maa Tsuru) and the juju man. (iii) Adade (husband of Kabria). (iv) Sylv Po (broadcaster). (v) Poison and Macho (street lords). (b) Females: (i) Maa T'suru (ii) Kabria (iii) Mami Broni (iv) Baby T (v) Fofo (vi) Odarley
(3) Kwei and Kpakpo: (i) They contribute to Maa Tsuru's destitution. (ii) Kwei abandons Maa Tsuru after having several children with her; he is also violent. (ii) Kpakpo preys on Maa Tsuru, sells Baby T into prostitution after sexually abusing her and intercepts the pay packet her (Baby T"s) enslavement. (iv) Both are clearly oppressors and contribute negatively to the predicament of the women
(4)Onko and the juju man. (i) Onko rapes Baby T, leading to her being sold into prostitution. (ii) At the request of the jujuman Onko seeks Baby T's pubic hair. (iii) This eventually leads to Onko's murder of Baby T.
(5) Adade and Sylv Po: (i) Adade is indifferent to Kabria's struggles to survive while Sylv Po assists her in her work (ii) Adade is lazy and expects Kabria to do everything for him. (iii) Adade's attitude to Kabria regarding the refurbishing of Creamy is negative.
(6) Poison and Macho: (i) They are street lords who prey on girls like Baby T and Fofo. (ii) The two impact negatively on the girls and on Maa Tsuru. (ii) Mami Broni is terrified of Poison. (iv) Macho drives off Fofo from nature's call and takes all her earnings for the week.