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Act 2 of The Marriage of Anansewa
Setting and Opening Scene
Act 2 of The Marriage of Anansewa opens with the Storyteller and the Players discussing Ananse’s cunning schemes. Their commentary reminds the audience that Ananse’s cleverness is a double-edged sword in that it brings both gain and risk.
When the curtain rises, Ananse is seen seated, enjoying the fruits of his trickery. Two female messengers from Chief Sapaase arrive. They bring with them his greetings and a large sum of money. The women leave after delivering the gift, and Ananse’s joy becomes uncontrollable.
Main Events
Ananse begins to fantasise about spending lavishly and showing off his wealth in church the next day. His fantasy is a humorous image that reflects his vanity and quick forgetfulness of his humble background.
Soon after, a group of workmen (a carpenter, mason, and painter) arrive to begin home renovations. Ananse plans to transform his poor house into one befitting the father of a “soon-to-be married” woman.
As the workmen work, they sing, with the Players joining in. This creates a lively, communal rhythm typical of Ghanaian folk performance. The songs continue to function as commentary, as it combines entertainment with moral reflection in function.
Just as Ananse’s excitement peaks, a messenger from Chief-Who-Is-Chief arrives with an unexpected message:
The Chief plans to come in a fortnight (two weeks) to perform the head-drink ceremony, the traditional rite that seals marriage.
Before Ananse can fully digest this news, the postman enters with another letter, this time from Chief Sapaase, announcing that he too will come in a fortnight for Anansewa’s head-drink.
This shocking coincidence throws Ananse into confusion and panic. His web of deception has suddenly tangled, and he begins to worry about how to handle two chiefs planning to marry his daughter on the same day.
Closing Moment
Obviously trapped, Ananse resolves to consult Miss Christie, the head of the Institute for Prospective Brides. He hopes she can help prepare Anansewa for marriage and perhaps find a way out of the crisis his greed has created.
Themes in Act 2 of The Marriage of Anansewa
- Greed and Its Consequences: Ananse’s deceit begins to backfire as multiple suitors make serious commitments.
- Deception and Pretense: His attempt to juggle all four chiefs for financial gain becomes unsustainable.
- Poverty and Social Aspiration: His desire to flaunt wealth shows how social status pressures fuel his actions.
- Fate and Comic Irony: The timing of both chiefs’ visits creates a comic but tense situation.
Dramatic Techniques in Act 2 of The Marriage of Anansewa
- Chorus and Songs: The Players and workers’ songs provide commentary and heighten dramatic rhythm.
- Comic Irony: The audience knows Ananse’s deception will soon collapse, even as he celebrates.
- Dialogue and Folk Speech: Everyday Ghanaian expressions make the scenes relatable and humorous.
Study Tip
Act 2 marks the turning point in the play. Ananse’s plans begin to clash with reality. This shows how his folkloric trickster wisdom conflicts modern social life. Students should focus on how humour, music, and irony reveal Sutherland’s message about greed and self-deception.
Questions on Act 2 of The Marriage of Anansewa
1. The act opens with the storyteller and players discussing ___
A. The chiefs’ wealth
B. Ananse’s trickery
C. Anansewa’s engagement
D. Chief-Who-Is-Chief’s power
2. Chief Sapaase’s messengers bring Ananse ___
A. A car
B. Money and greetings
C. Marriage gifts
D. Invitation to his palace
3. What does Ananse plan to do with the money from Chief Sapaase?
A. Save it
B. Invest in farming
C. Spend lavishly in church
D. Share it with Christie
4. The workmen in Act 2 represent ___
A. A new class of elites
B. Ordinary citizens’ voice
C. Messengers of the chiefs
D. Family members of Anansewa
5. Ananse becomes worried because ___
A. His daughter is missing
B. His money is stolen
C. Christie rejects his offer
D. Two chiefs fix the same marriage date
6. Who does Ananse consult to manage the marriage dilemma?
A. His uncle
B. The pastor
C. Miss Christie
D. His neighbors
7. The conflict introduced in Act 2 is mainly ___
A. Man vs. society
B. Man vs. man
C. Man vs. self
D. Man vs. fate
8. What institution does Miss Christie lead?
A. Institute for Prospective Brides
B. School for secretaries
C. Church of the Living God
D. Women’s Cooperative Society
9. Ananse’s attitude in Act 2 reflects his ___
A. Wisdom and contentment
B. Honesty and humility
C. Greed and cunning
D. Anger and pride
10. The repetition of songs and dances in Act 2 helps to ___
A. Delay the plot
B. Show cultural tension
C. Reveal the theme of love
D. Provide comic relief
Also Read:
- Act 1 Summary of The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua Sutherland
- Act 3 Summary of The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua Sutherland
- Act 4 Summary of The Marriage of Anansewa by Efua Sutherland
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