A Bildungsroman in Ama Ata Aidoo’s Changes: A Love Story

P Sasikala; V S Vanjitha

doi:10.34293/sijash.v11iS5.7653

P Sasikala Assistant Professor, PG and Reserch Department of English, Sakthi College of Arts and Science for Women, Oddanchatram
V S Vanjitha PG Student, Research Department of English, Sakthi College of Arts and Science for Women, Oddanchatram

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34293/sijash.v11iS5.7653

Keywords: Bildungsroman, Feminism, Colonialism, Tradition, Culture, Modernity in Post-Independence Ghana, Polygamy

Abstract

Changes: A Love Story is a Bildungsroman novel written by Ama Ata Aidoo, and it was published in 1991. A Bildungsroman novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of Esi, the protagonist. The Changes: A Love Story follows the life of Esi Sekyi, a Morden Ghanaian woman who struggles to balance her career, marriage, and personal identity in society. Esi divorces her husband, Oko, because he raped her without her acknowledgement. Then Esi entered a polygamous marriage with Ali Kondey, he is a successful businessman. Then Esi soon realizes that her new marriage life does not give her freedom, happiness, or what she expected, and she also faces criticism and is kept apart from her family, friends, and society. Then she learns more about herself, her cultural values, and the value of her life. And it was published in the feminist press.