Conflicting Values

Phase Two of Ama Ata Aidoo's Anowa conveys an increasing tension between Anowa and Kofi Ako. In Phase One, the couple reminded me a little of the classic Romeo and Juliet love story. They love each other but due to familial tension they cannot marry let alone be together. Now, in Phase Two, Anowa and Kofi Ako are together but are not able to get along. Anowa is not able to have children, not because of a problem with her womb, but because she is essentially too stressed. Anowa insists that Kofi Ako marry another woman, "as she could help us"(84). Kofi Ako refuses stating that Anowa is the only one he loves and that will not change. To eliminate the stress, Kofi Ako suggests that they hire slaves. Anowa is strongly against this idea as it goes against her morals. Anowa is strongly grounded in her morals, which contributes to her fierce independence. I am not yet sure where this tension will lead. I do not think that Kofi Ako will remarry, and I know that Anowa will not allow slaves. It seems as though they have reached somewhat of a stalemate. I feel as though something big will happen in the next phase that will end this impasse once and for all.