The Girl Who Can: GLOSSARY, PARAPHRASE & QUESTION-ANSWERS

 The Girl Who Can

– Ama Ata Aidoo

Part Two, Page 153-156.

That discussion was repeated very regularly.

Nana: ‘Ah, ah, you know, Kaya, I thank my God that your very first child is female. But Kaya, I am not sure about her legs. Hm ... hm ... hm ...’

And Nana would shake her head.

Maami: ‘Mother, why are you always complaining about Adioa‘s legs? If you ask me . . .’

Nana: ‘They are too thin. And I am not asking you!’

Nana has many voices. There is a special one she uses to shut everyone up.

‘Some people have no legs at all,’ my mother would try again with all her small courage.

‘But Adjoa has legs,’ Nana would insist; 'except that they are too thin. And also too long for a woman. Kaya, listen. Once in a while, but only once in a very long while, somebody decides – nature, a child’s spirit mother, an accident happens, and somebody gets born without arms, or legs, or both sets of limbs. And then let me touch wood: it is a sad business. And you know, such things are not for talking about everyday. But if any female child decides to come into this world with legs, then they might as well be legs.’

‘What kind of legs?’ And always at that point, I knew from her voice that my mother was weeping inside. Nana never heard such inside weeping. Not that it would have stopped Nana even if she had heard it. Which always surprised me.

Because, about almost everything else apart from my legs, Nana is such a good grown-up. In any case, what do I know about good grown-ups and bad grown-ups? How could Nana be a good grown-up when she carried on so about my legs? All I want to say is that I really liked Nana except for that.

Nana: ‘As I keep saying, if any woman decides to come into this world with all of her two legs, then she should select legs that have meat on them: with good calves. Because you are sure such legs would support solid hips. And a woman must have solid hips to be able to have children.’

‘Oh, Mother.’ That’s how my mother would answer. Very, very quietly. And the discussion would end or they would move on to something else.

Sometimes, Nana would pull in something about my father.

How, ‘Looking at such a man, we have to be humble and admit that after all, God’s children are many.. .’

How, ‘After one's only daughter had insisted on marrying a man like that, you still have to thank your God that the biggest problem you got later was having a granddaughter with spindly legs that are too long for a woman, and too thin to be of any use.’

The way she always added that bit about my father under her breath, she probably thought I didn’t hear it. But I always heard it. Plus, that is what always shut my mother up for good, so that even if I had not actually heard the words, once my mother looked like even her little courage was finished, I could always guess what Nana had added to the argument.

‘Legs that have meat on them with good calves to support solid hips... to be able to have children.’

So I wished that one day I would see, for myself, the legs of any woman who had had children. But in our village, that is not easy. The older women wear long wrap-arounds all the time. Perhaps if they let me go bathe in the river in the evening, I could have checked. But I never had the chance. It took a lot of begging: just to get my mother and Nana to let me go splash around in the shallow end of the river with my friends, who were other little girls like me. For proper baths, we used the small bathhouse behind out hut. Therefore, the only naked female legs I have ever really seen are those of other little girls like me. Or older girls in the school. And those of my mother and Nana: two pairs of legs which must surely belong to the approved kind; because Nana gave birth to my mother and my mother gave birth to me. In my eyes, all my friends have got legs that look like legs: but whether the legs have got meat on them to support the kind of hips that... that I don’t know.

Glossary

1.    Discussion – a talk about a subject; चर्चा

2.    Repeated – done or said again; दोहराया गया

3.    Female – a girl or woman; महिला

4.    Legs – the limbs used for walking; पैर

5.    Shake her head – show disagreement or disapproval; सिर हिलाना

6.    Complaining – expressing dissatisfaction; शिकायत करना

7.    Voices – tones or ways of speaking; स्वर

8.    Shut everyone up – stop others from speaking; सबको चुप कराना

9.    Small courage – little bravery; थोड़ी हिम्मत

10. Insist – demand firmly; ज़ोर देना

11. Except – leaving out; सिवाय

12. Spindly – thin and weak-looking; दुबला-पतला

13. Meat on them – flesh or muscular; मांस वाला

14. Calves – lower part of the leg; पिंडली

15. Support – hold up; सहारा देना

16. Hips – part of the body below the waist; कमर/कूल्हे

17. Be able to – have the ability to; सक्षम होना

18. Children – offspring; बच्चे

19. Under her breath – said quietly; धीरे से

20. Courage was finished – lost bravery; हिम्मत खत्म होना

21. Village – small rural settlement; गाँव

22. Wrap-arounds – long cloths worn around the body; लपेटने वाला कपड़ा

23. Bathe – wash oneself; नहाना

24. Shallow end – part of water not deep; उथला हिस्सा

25. Splash around – play in water; पानी में छींटे मारना

26. Bathhouse – building for bathing; स्नानघर

27. Approved kind – accepted or correct type; मान्यता प्राप्त प्रकार

28. Friends – companions; मित्र

29. School – place of learning; स्कूल

30. Eyes – used figuratively to mean observation or judgment; नजरें

English Paraphrase:

The discussion about Adjoa’s legs happened repeatedly and very regularly. Nana often expressed her gratitude that Kaya’s first child was a girl, but she constantly worried and complained about Adjoa’s legs, shaking her head and making remarks like “Hm… hm… hm…”. Maami tried to defend her daughter, asking why Nana always complained about Adjoa’s legs. Nana, however, asserted that her concern was serious because Adjoa’s legs were too thin and unusually long for a woman.

Nana explained that some people are born without legs or arms due to nature, accidents, or decisions of a child’s spirit mother, which is a very serious matter. But Adjoa had legs, so they should be proper legs. Nana emphasized that for a woman, legs should have meat and strong calves to support solid hips, because solid hips are essential for bearing children. She added this advice almost as if it were law, and Maami rarely argued because she knew that Nana’s word was final, and even small courage to speak up often ended quickly.

Sometimes Nana quietly brought up Adjoa’s father, hinting that after all the problems with him, having a granddaughter with spindly, thin, and too-long legs was still a minor issue. Nana’s words often shut Maami up completely, even if Adjoa hadn’t heard every word. Despite all these criticisms about her legs, Adjoa thought that apart from this, Nana was a good grown-up, and she liked her a lot.

Adjoa wondered what proper female legs looked like because, in the village, older women always wore long wrap-around garments, making it impossible to see their legs. She had only been allowed to bathe in the river in the shallow end with her friends after a lot of begging. For proper baths, she used the small bathhouse behind their hut. Therefore, the only fully visible female legs she had ever seen were those of other little girls like herself, older girls at school, her mother, and Nana. Since both her mother and Nana had given birth, Adjoa assumed that their legs were the “approved kind.” She considered that all her friends’ legs looked like legs, but she could not be sure whether they had the proper flesh and strength to support hips, as Nana had described.

Hindi Paraphrase:

अडजोआ के पैरों के बारे में चर्चा बहुत नियमित रूप से होती थी। नाना अक्सर भगवान का धन्यवाद करती थीं कि काया का पहला बच्चा लड़की हुआ, लेकिन वे लगातार अडजोआ के पैरों की चिंता करतीं और शिकायत करतीं, सिर हिलातीं और “ह्म… ह्म… ह्म…” जैसी टिप्पणियाँ करतीं। मामी अपनी बेटी की रक्षा करने की कोशिश करतीं और पूछतीं कि नाना हमेशा अडजोआ के पैरों के बारे में क्यों शिकायत करती हैं। लेकिन नाना ने जोर देकर कहा कि उनकी चिंता गंभीर है क्योंकि अडजोआ के पैर किसी महिला के लिए बहुत पतले और असामान्य रूप से लंबे हैं।

नाना ने समझाया कि कभी-कभी प्रकृति, दुर्घटनाएँ या बच्चे की आत्मा की माँ के निर्णय से लोग बिना पैरों या हाथों के पैदा होते हैं, जो बहुत गंभीर मामला है। लेकिन अडजोआ के पैर हैं, इसलिए उन्हें सही पैरों जैसा होना चाहिए। नाना ने कहा कि महिला के पैरों में मांस और मजबूत पिंडली होनी चाहिए ताकि मजबूत कूल्हों का समर्थन हो सके, और मजबूत कूल्हे बच्चों को जन्म देने के लिए जरूरी हैं। उन्होंने इसे लगभग कानून की तरह बताया, और मामी कम ही बहस करतीं क्योंकि वे जानती थीं कि नाना का आखिरी शब्द हमेशा अंतिम होता है, और बहस करने की थोड़ी भी हिम्मत जल्दी खत्म हो जाती थी।

कभी-कभी नाना धीरे से अडजोआ के पिता का जिक्र भी कर देतीं, यह संकेत देते हुए कि उनके कारण जितनी भी समस्याएँ थीं, उनके बाद, एक पोती का पतला और लंबा पैर होना केवल एक मामूली समस्या है। नाना के शब्द अक्सर मामी को पूरी तरह चुप कर देते थे, भले ही अडजोआ हर शब्द न सुन पाती। पैरों की आलोचना के बावजूद, अडजोआ सोचती थी कि इसके अलावा नाना अच्छी वयस्क हैं और उन्हें बहुत पसंद करती थी।

अडजोआ सोचती थी कि सही महिला के पैर कैसे दिखते होंगे क्योंकि गाँव में बड़ी महिलाएँ हमेशा लंबे लपेटे हुए कपड़े पहनती थीं, जिससे उनके पैरों को देखना असंभव था। उसे केवल दोस्तों के साथ नदी के उथले हिस्से में नहाने की अनुमति दी गई थी, उसके लिए उसे बहुत मनाना पड़ा। पूरी नहाने के लिए, उसने उनके झोपड़ी के पीछे बने छोटे स्नानघर का इस्तेमाल किया। इसलिए, जिन महिलाओं के पैरों को उसने पूरी तरह देखा था, वे केवल दूसरी छोटी लड़कियाँ, स्कूल की बड़ी लड़कियाँ, उसकी मम्मी और नाना थीं। चूंकि उसकी मम्मी और नाना दोनों ने बच्चे पैदा किए थे, अडजोआ मानती थी कि उनके पैर “मान्यता प्राप्त प्रकार” के हैं। उसने सोचा कि उसके सभी दोस्तों के पैरों की तरह ही दिखते थे, लेकिन वह निश्चित नहीं थी कि उनमें मांस और ताकत थी या नहीं, जैसा कि नाना ने बताया था।

MCQs

1.    Who repeatedly discussed Adjoa’s legs?
a) Adjoa and her friends b) Nana and Maami c) Kaya and Nana d) Adjoa and Nana
Ans. b) Nana and Maami

2.    What was Nana grateful for regarding Kaya’s first child?
a) That the child was healthy b) That the child was male c) That the child was female d) That the child had strong legs
Ans. c) That the child was female

3.    How did Nana describe Adjoa’s legs?
a) Perfect and strong b) Thin and too long c) Short and weak d) Average and healthy
Ans. b) Thin and too long

4.    How did Maami try to defend Adjoa?
a) By praising Nana b) By pointing out some people have no legs c) By ignoring Nana d) By comparing Adjoa with boys
Ans. b) By pointing out some people have no legs

5.    How did Nana respond to Maami’s defense?
a) Agreed with her b) Asked her to leave c) Insisted she was not asking d) Changed the topic
Ans. c) Insisted she was not asking

6.    What is special about one of Nana’s voices?
a) It sounds sweet b) It makes people laugh c) It shuts everyone up d) It is soft and quiet
Ans. c) It shuts everyone up

7.    According to Nana, why should legs have meat on them?
a) To look beautiful b) To support solid hips c) To run fast d) To dance better
Ans. b) To support solid hips

8.    Why are solid hips important for women according to Nana?
a) To carry weight b) To run long distances c) To be able to have children d) To look elegant
Ans. c) To be able to have children

9.    What emotion did Adjoa hear in her mother’s voice?
a) Anger b) Joy c) Weeping inside d) Confusion
Ans. c) Weeping inside

10. Did Nana notice Maami’s inside weeping?
a) Yes b) No c) Sometimes d) Only once
Ans. b) No

11. How did Adjoa feel about Nana apart from the legs discussion?
a) Disliked her b) Liked her c) Felt indifferent d) Feared her
Ans. b) Liked her

12. How did Nana describe accidents or nature affecting childbirth?
a) Children are always healthy b) Sometimes children are born without limbs c) All children have strong legs d) Legs always have meat
Ans. b) Sometimes children are born without limbs

13. How did Nana describe the seriousness of children born without limbs?
a) Minor issue b) Sad business c) Funny matter d) Everyday topic
Ans. b) Sad business

14. How did Maami usually respond to Nana’s strict words?
a) She argued loudly b) She remained quiet c) She left the room d) She laughed
Ans. b) She remained quiet

15. What phrase describes Nana’s critical voice?
a) Sweet tone b) Shuts everyone up c) Soft and kind d) Playful and teasing
Ans. b) Shuts everyone up

16. How did Nana refer to Adjoa’s legs?
a) Approved kind b) Too short c) Spindly d) Weak and ugly
Ans. c) Spindly

17. What did Nana say about women born with legs?
a) Legs are not important b) Legs must have meat and strong calves c) Legs should be ignored d) Legs should be short
Ans. b) Legs must have meat and strong calves

18. How did Nana connect legs and childbearing?
a) Long legs help in dancing b) Strong legs support solid hips, needed for children c) Thin legs are ideal for childbirth d) Legs do not matter
Ans. b) Strong legs support solid hips, needed for children

19. Where did Adjoa hope to see proper women’s legs?
a) In school b) In the village c) In the bathhouse d) At home
Ans. b) In the village

20. Why couldn’t Adjoa see older women’s legs in the village?
a) They were always indoors b) They wore long wrap-arounds c) She was not allowed to leave d) They were in the fields
Ans. b) They wore long wrap-arounds

21. Where did Adjoa and friends go to bathe?
a) Bathhouse b) Shallow end of the river c) Pond d) Ocean
Ans. b) Shallow end of the river

22. What did they use for proper baths?
a) River b) Pond c) Small bathhouse behind their hut d) Stream
Ans. c) Small bathhouse behind their hut

23. Whose legs had Adjoa fully seen?
a) Only her mother b) Only her friends c) Other little girls, school girls, mother, and Nana d) Only school girls
Ans. c) Other little girls, school girls, mother, and Nana

24. Why did Adjoa assume her mother’s and Nana’s legs were “approved”?
a) Because they were long b) Because they gave birth c) Because they were strong d) Because everyone admired them
Ans. b) Because they gave birth

25. How did Nana make Maami silent in arguments?
a) By shouting loudly b) By adding subtle remarks about Adjoa’s father c) By leaving the room d) By laughing
Ans. b) By adding subtle remarks about Adjoa’s father

26. What part of the body did Nana mention as sometimes missing?
a) Head b) Arms or legs c) Feet only d) Hands only
Ans. b) Arms or legs

27. How often did accidents of missing limbs happen according to Nana?
a) Every day b) Once in a very long while c) Often d) Never
Ans. b) Once in a very long while

28. What did Adjoa think about Maami’s courage?
a) It was too strong b) Small courage, often silenced by Nana c) She had none d) It was bigger than Nana’s
Ans. b) Small courage, often silenced by Nana

29. How did Adjoa describe her friends’ legs?
a) Weak and thin b) Looked like legs but unsure about strength c) Perfect d) Spindly and small
Ans. b) Looked like legs but unsure about strength

30. Why did bathing in the river require begging?
a) They were scared b) Nana and Maami were cautious about modesty c) River was far d) Friends were busy
Ans. b) Nana and Maami were cautious about modesty

31. What kind of legs did Nana approve for a woman?
a) Short and thin b) Fleshy with strong calves c) Weak but long d) Any legs
Ans. b) Fleshy with strong calves

32. What did Nana say about legs supporting hips?
a) Hips are not important b) Strong calves support solid hips, necessary for children c) Legs and hips are unrelated d) Thin calves are best
Ans. b) Strong calves support solid hips, necessary for children

33. How did Adjoa react to discussions about legs and hips?
a) Confused and curious b) Angry c) Indifferent d) Annoyed
Ans. a) Confused and curious

34. How did Nana describe the rarity of children born without limbs?
a) Happens often b) Happens rarely, once in a very long while c) Never happens d) Happens daily
Ans. b) Happens rarely, once in a very long while

35. How did Adjoa interpret her mother’s quiet replies?
a) Disagreement b) Yielding to Nana c) Confusion d) Happiness
Ans. b) Yielding to Nana

36. How did Nana describe accidents in childbirth?
a) Everyday topic b) Serious matter, not for daily discussion c) Fun topic d) Unimportant
Ans. b) Serious matter, not for daily discussion

37. How did Adjoa view her own legs?
a) Weak and spindly b) Approved because of lineage c) Unhealthy d) Perfectly strong
Ans. b) Approved because of lineage

38. How often did the leg discussion occur?
a) Occasionally b) Very regularly c) Once a year d) Rarely
Ans. b) Very regularly

39. Who was included in observing female legs in the village?
a) Only Adjoa b) Other girls, schoolmates, mother, and Nana c) Only mothers d) Only schoolgirls
Ans. b) Other girls, schoolmates, mother, and Nana

40. Why did Nana refer to Adjoa’s father under her breath?
a) To praise him b) To subtly shut Maami up c) To confuse Adjoa d) To change the topic
Ans. b) To subtly shut Maami up

41. What does “spindly” mean regarding legs?
a) Thick and strong b) Thin and weak-looking c) Short d) Curved
Ans. b) Thin and weak-looking

42. Why did Adjoa think observing adult legs was difficult?
a) Adults ran away b) They wore long garments c) She was not interested d) No one noticed
Ans. b) They wore long garments

43. How did Nana link accidents with childbearing advice?
a) To explain risks b) To emphasize importance of strong legs and hips c) To confuse Maami d) To discuss fashion
Ans. b) To emphasize importance of strong legs and hips

44. How did Maami try to reason with Nana about Adjoa’s legs?
a) By agreeing with Nana b) By citing children without legs c) By ignoring d) By leaving the room
Ans. b) By citing children without legs

45. What did Adjoa notice about Nana’s laughter or tone?
a) It was soft b) It was commanding and controlling c) It was playful d) It was sad
Ans. b) It was commanding and controlling

46. What part of the bath routine involved the small bathhouse?
a) River bathing b) Proper baths c) Morning bathing d) Evening swimming
Ans. b) Proper baths

47. How did Adjoa judge her friends’ legs?
a) By strength and meat b) Only by appearance c) By height d) By running ability
Ans. b) Only by appearance

48. What did Nana mean by “legs that have meat on them”?
a) Muscular and strong legs b) Fatty legs c) Short legs d) Spindly legs
Ans. a) Muscular and strong legs

49. How did Adjoa feel about seeing women’s legs in the river?
a) Curious and wishing to learn b) Afraid c) Angry d) Indifferent
Ans. a) Curious and wishing to learn

50. Why did Adjoa consider her mother’s and Nana’s legs “approved”?
a) Because they were long b) Because they bore children successfully c) Because they were admired by villagers d) Because they were thin
Ans. b) Because they bore children successfully

Who Said To Whom?

1.    “Ah, ah, you know, Kaya, I thank my God that your very first child is female.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

2.    “But Kaya, I am not sure about her legs. Hm ... hm ... hm ...”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

3.    “Mother, why are you always complaining about Adjoa’s legs? If you ask me . . .”
Ans. Maami said to Nana

4.    “They are too thin. And I am not asking you!”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

5.    “Some people have no legs at all.”
Ans. Maami said to Nana

6.    “But Adjoa has legs, except that they are too thin.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

7.    “And also too long for a woman.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

8.    “Kaya, listen. Once in a while, but only once in a very long while, somebody decides – nature, a child’s spirit mother, an accident happens, and somebody gets born without arms, or legs, or both sets of limbs.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

9.    “And then let me touch wood: it is a sad business.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

10. “And you know, such things are not for talking about everyday.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

11. “But if any female child decides to come into this world with legs, then they might as well be legs.”
Ans. Nana said to Kaya

12. “What kind of legs?”
Ans. Maami said to Nana

13. “Legs that have meat on them: with good calves.”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

14. “Because you are sure such legs would support solid hips.”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

15. “And a woman must have solid hips to be able to have children.”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

16. “Oh, Mother.”
Ans. Maami said to Nana

17. “Looking at such a man, we have to be humble and admit that after all, God’s children are many . . .”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

18. “After one's only daughter had insisted on marrying a man like that, you still have to thank your God that the biggest problem you got later was having a granddaughter with spindly legs that are too long for a woman, and too thin to be of any use.”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

19. “Legs that have meat on them with good calves to support solid hips... to be able to have children.”
Ans. Nana said to Maami

Reference To Context

Extract 1

"Ah, ah, you know, Kaya, I thank my God that your very first child is female. But Kaya, I am not sure about her legs. Hm ... hm ... hm ..."

Questions:

1.    Who is speaking in this extract?
Ans. Nana is speaking to Kaya.

2.    Who is Kaya in relation to Adjoa?
Ans. Kaya is Adjoa’s mother (Maami).

3.    What is Nana grateful for?
Ans. That Kaya’s first child, Adjoa, is female.

4.    What is Nana unsure about?
Ans. She is unsure about Adjoa’s legs.

5.    What do the repeated “Hm ... hm ... hm ...” suggest?
Ans. Nana is thinking, hesitating, or concerned.

6.    What type of tone does Nana use here?
Ans. Reflective and slightly critical.

7.    Why is this line significant for the story?
Ans. It introduces the main theme of concern about Adjoa’s legs, central to Part Two.

Extract 2

"Mother, why are you always complaining about Adjoa’s legs? If you ask me . . ."
"They are too thin. And I am not asking you!"

Questions:

1.    Who says the first line?
Ans. Maami says it to Nana.

2.    Who says the second line?
Ans. Nana says it to Maami.

3.    What is the topic of their discussion?
Ans. Adjoa’s legs.

4.    How does Maami try to defend Adjoa?
Ans. She points out that complaining is unnecessary.

5.    How does Nana respond to Maami?
Ans. She asserts she is not asking for her opinion.

6.    What does this dialogue reveal about Nana’s character?
Ans. She is authoritative and critical.

7.    What does it show about Maami?
Ans. She is cautious, gentle, and tries to defend her child.

Extract 3

"Some people have no legs at all."
"But Adjoa has legs, except that they are too thin. And also too long for a woman."

Questions:

1.    Who says the first line?
Ans. Maami says it to Nana.

2.    Who says the second line?
Ans. Nana says it to Kaya.

3.    How does Nana contrast Adjoa with other children?
Ans. She acknowledges Adjoa has legs but criticizes their size and length.

4.    What reasoning does Maami use in the first line?
Ans. She highlights that some children are born with no legs, so Adjoa’s legs are fine.

5.    How does this extract reflect the cultural or generational perspective?
Ans. Elders focus on physical traits and childbearing abilities.

6.    What is the tone of Nana’s speech?
Ans. Critical and precise.

7.    What is the significance of this contrast?
Ans. It emphasizes Nana’s high expectations and the story’s theme of judgment on physical traits.

Extract 4

"Kaya, listen. Once in a while, but only once in a very long while, somebody decides – nature, a child’s spirit mother, an accident happens, and somebody gets born without arms, or legs, or both sets of limbs."
"And then let me touch wood: it is a sad business. And you know, such things are not for talking about everyday."

Questions:

1.    Who is speaking here?
Ans. Nana is speaking to Kaya.

2.    What is Nana talking about?
Ans. Rare accidents in childbirth where children are born without limbs.

3.    What does “touch wood” imply?
Ans. She is hoping to avoid bad luck.

4.    How often, according to Nana, do such accidents occur?
Ans. Once in a very long while.

5.    What is Nana’s tone here?
Ans. Serious and cautionary.

6.    Why does she say it’s “not for talking about everyday”?
Ans. It is a sensitive, rare, and serious matter.

7.    How does this reflect Nana’s worldview?
Ans. She respects nature, fate, and the seriousness of life events.

Extract 5

"But if any female child decides to come into this world with legs, then they might as well be legs."
"What kind of legs?"
"Legs that have meat on them: with good calves. Because you are sure such legs would support solid hips. And a woman must have solid hips to be able to have children."

Questions:

1.    Who says the first line?
Ans. Nana says it to Kaya.

2.    Who asks “What kind of legs?”
Ans. Maami says it to Nana.

3.    What is Nana describing?
Ans. The type of legs she considers ideal for women.

4.    Why must legs have meat and good calves, according to Nana?
Ans. To support solid hips.

5.    What is the purpose of solid hips in her view?
Ans. For bearing children.

6.    How does this reflect Nana’s priorities?
Ans. Physical traits are linked to reproductive ability.

7.    What tone does Nana use in this extract?
Ans. Authoritative and instructive.

Extract 6

"Looking at such a man, we have to be humble and admit that after all, God’s children are many . . ."
"After one's only daughter had insisted on marrying a man like that, you still have to thank your God that the biggest problem you got later was having a granddaughter with spindly legs that are too long for a woman, and too thin to be of any use."

Questions:

1.    Who is speaking here?
Ans. Nana is speaking to Maami.

2.    What topic does Nana introduce in the first line?
Ans. Humility and acceptance regarding Adjoa’s father.

3.    What does the second line emphasize?
Ans. Nana’s critique of Adjoa’s legs.

4.    How does Nana link family relationships in this extract?
Ans. Daughter’s marriage and granddaughter’s physical traits.

5.    What words show Nana’s disapproval?
Ans. “Spindly,” “too long,” “too thin,” “of no use.”

6.    How does this reveal Nana’s personality?
Ans. Critical, judgmental, traditional.

7.    What is Maami’s likely reaction here?
Ans. She is silenced, subdued, and careful.

Extract 7

"Legs that have meat on them with good calves to support solid hips... to be able to have children."

Questions:

1.    Who is speaking in this extract?
Ans. Nana is speaking to Maami.

2.    What is the main topic?
Ans. Ideal legs for women.

3.    Why must legs have good calves, according to Nana?
Ans. To support solid hips.

4.    What is the ultimate purpose of solid hips?
Ans. To bear children.

5.    How does this extract summarize Part Two?
Ans. Shows Nana’s focus on physical traits and reproductive ability.

6.    What cultural values does this reflect?
Ans. Traditional views on womanhood and childbearing.

7.    How might Adjoa feel hearing this?
Ans. Confused, curious, and possibly pressured.

One-Mark Questions

1.    Who repeatedly discussed Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Nana and Maami

2.    What was Nana grateful for regarding Kaya’s first child?
Ans. That she was female

3.    How did Nana feel about Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. She thought they were too thin and too long

4.    What did Maami try to do in the discussion?
Ans. Defend Adjoa’s legs

5.    How did Nana respond to Maami’s defense?
Ans. She insisted she was not asking Maami

6.    What is special about one of Nana’s voices?
Ans. It shuts everyone up

7.    According to Nana, why should legs have meat on them?
Ans. To support solid hips

8.    Why are solid hips important for women according to Nana?
Ans. To be able to have children

9.    What emotion did Adjoa hear in her mother’s voice?
Ans. Weeping inside

10. Did Nana notice Maami’s inside weeping?
Ans. No

11. How did Adjoa feel about Nana apart from the legs discussion?
Ans. She liked her

12. What word describes Adjoa’s legs according to Nana?
Ans. Spindly

13. How did Nana refer to accidents or nature in childbirth?
Ans. Sometimes children are born without limbs

14. What effect did mentioning Adjoa’s father have on Maami?
Ans. It shut her up for good

15. Where did Adjoa wish she could see proper women’s legs?
Ans. In the village

16. Why couldn’t Adjoa see older women’s legs in the village?
Ans. They wore long wrap-arounds

17. Where did Adjoa and friends go to bathe?
Ans. Shallow end of the river

18. What did they use for proper baths?
Ans. Small bathhouse behind their hut

19. Whose legs had Adjoa fully seen?
Ans. Other little girls, school girls, her mother, and Nana

20. How did Adjoa judge whether legs were proper?
Ans. Whether they had meat and could support hips

21. Who often added subtle comments about Adjoa’s father?
Ans. Nana

22. How did Nana describe children born without limbs?
Ans. Sad business, not for daily discussion

23. How did Maami try to reason about Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Some people have no legs at all

24. How often did Nana say accidents of missing limbs happen?
Ans. Once in a very long while

25. How did Nana express doubt or concern about legs?
Ans. By shaking her head

26. What type of legs did Nana want for a woman?
Ans. Legs with meat and strong calves

27. What was the purpose of legs with good calves?
Ans. To support solid hips for childbearing

28. How did Nana react when Maami spoke quietly?
Ans. She ignored or overruled her

29. What phrase describes Nana’s critical voice?
Ans. Special one she uses to shut everyone up

30. What did Adjoa notice about her mother’s courage?
Ans. It often finished after Nana spoke

31. How did Adjoa describe her friends’ legs?
Ans. They looked like legs but she wasn’t sure about strength

32. Why did Adjoa wish to see adult women’s legs bathing?
Ans. To understand what proper legs looked like

33. How did Adjoa feel about Nana’s discussion of legs?
Ans. Surprised and sometimes frustrated

34. What did Nana imply about nature and spirit mothers?
Ans. They sometimes decide children’s physical traits

35. What kind of legs did Nana approve for women?
Ans. Legs that are fleshy and strong

36. How did Adjoa feel about Maami’s small courage?
Ans. She admired it but saw it silenced by Nana

37. Who did Nana call when she added subtle remarks about Adjoa’s father?
Ans. No one, she said it quietly

38. What did Nana think was minor compared to accidents or missing limbs?
Ans. Adjoa’s thin and long legs

39. How did Adjoa interpret her mother’s quiet replies?
Ans. As yielding to Nana’s authority

40. Why did bathing in the river require begging?
Ans. Nana and Maami were cautious about modesty

41. How did Adjoa see her own legs in comparison?
Ans. She assumed they were approved because of family lineage

42. What did Nana mean by “legs with meat on them”?
Ans. Strong, healthy, functional legs

43. How did Nana link legs to childbearing?
Ans. Strong legs support solid hips, essential for having children

44. What was Adjoa’s mother’s reaction to discussions about hips and legs?
Ans. Very quiet, small courage

45. How often did discussions about legs happen?
Ans. Very regularly

46. What was the tone of the conversation about Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Serious, critical, sometimes harsh

47. How did Adjoa view older girls’ legs at school?
Ans. She observed them but could not judge their strength

48. What body parts did Nana mention could be missing at birth?
Ans. Arms, legs, or both sets of limbs

49. How did Adjoa evaluate whether her friends’ legs were strong?
Ans. She could only judge by appearance, not strength

50. How did the family tradition influence Adjoa’s perception of legs?
Ans. She assumed her mother’s and Nana’s legs were “approved” because they successfully bore children

Two-Mark Questions

1.    Why does Nana say she is thankful about Kaya’s first child?
Ans. Nana is thankful that Kaya’s first child is female, showing her preference for girls and her cultural value placed on daughters. She expresses this gratitude to Kaya while simultaneously criticizing Adjoa’s legs.

2.    How does Maami defend Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Maami reminds Nana that some children are born without legs at all, implying that Adjoa is fortunate to have legs. She tries to soften Nana’s criticism and defend her daughter’s physical traits.

3.    What does Nana criticize about Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Nana criticizes that Adjoa’s legs are too thin and too long for a woman. She is concerned that these traits are unsuitable and emphasizes the importance of legs in supporting solid hips for childbearing.

4.    What is the significance of “Hm ... hm ... hm ...” in Nana’s speech?
Ans. The repeated “Hm ... hm ... hm ...” indicates Nana’s hesitation, contemplation, and concern. It reflects her careful thought about Adjoa’s physical traits and sets a serious, judgmental tone for the discussion.

5.    How does Nana describe accidents or unusual births?
Ans. Nana explains that rarely, children are born without arms, legs, or both. She calls such events a “sad business” and emphasizes that these are serious matters, not for everyday discussion, highlighting her concern for physical normalcy.

6.    Why does Nana insist that female children with legs “might as well be legs”?
Ans. Nana believes that if a female child is born with legs, they should be fully formed, strong, and suitable. She emphasizes the importance of physical perfection for women, linking it to future childbearing and societal expectations.

7.    How does Maami react to Nana’s description of ideal legs?
Ans. Maami quietly asks, “What kind of legs?” showing her concern and gentle challenge. She attempts to understand Nana’s strict standards and maintain a polite tone while defending her child from harsh criticism.

8.    What physical traits does Nana value in women’s legs?
Ans. Nana values legs with meat, strong calves, and proportions that support solid hips. She connects these traits directly to the ability to have children, reflecting her cultural emphasis on reproductive fitness.

9.    How does Nana refer to Adjoa’s father in her arguments?
Ans. Nana subtly brings up Adjoa’s father to remind Maami of the challenges she accepted by marrying him. This adds weight to her argument about Adjoa’s physical traits and silences Maami during the discussion.

10. Why does Nana’s talk about legs include discussion about hips?
Ans. Nana links legs and hips to childbearing, stating that solid hips require strong legs with good calves. This shows her belief in the interconnectedness of physical traits and reproductive capacity in women.

11. How does Adjoa describe her mother’s reaction to Nana?
Ans. Adjoa observes that her mother weeps silently inside but never voices it. Nana’s strictness and authority prevent Maami from openly responding, showing the power dynamics between them.

12. What does the term “spindly” reveal about Nana’s view of Adjoa?
Ans. Nana calls Adjoa’s legs “spindly,” indicating they are thin, weak, and inadequate. This reflects her harsh, critical perspective on physical traits, emphasizing her high expectations for women’s bodies.

13. How does Adjoa feel about seeing women’s legs in the village?
Ans. Adjoa is curious and wishes to observe women’s legs to understand Nana’s standards. However, older women wear long wrap-arounds, so she has limited exposure, mainly seeing only her mother, Nana, friends, and schoolmates.

14. Why does bathing in the river require begging from Nana and Maami?
Ans. Adjoa has to plead to bathe in the river because Nana and Maami are concerned about modesty, proper behaviour, and safety. Their restrictions reflect cultural norms and protective parenting.

15. How does Nana define the “approved kind” of legs?
Ans. Nana considers legs “approved” if they have meat, strong calves, and solid hips, capable of bearing children. Adjoa assumes her mother’s and Nana’s legs are approved due to their successful childbirth.

16. How does the discussion of legs illustrate cultural beliefs?
Ans. The conversation shows traditional beliefs connecting physical traits to reproductive ability. Women’s legs are evaluated for strength and proportion, demonstrating societal focus on motherhood and adherence to generational standards.

17. Why does Nana emphasize the rarity of children born without limbs?
Ans. She stresses that missing limbs are exceptional and serious, making Adjoa’s legs comparatively fortunate. This underscores her critical approach and the importance of evaluating physical traits in her worldview.

18. How does Adjoa describe Nana’s authority over her mother?
Ans. Adjoa notices that Nana’s words, tone, and subtle references to her father silence Maami. This shows the respect, fear, and authority Nana commands in family discussions.

19. How does Adjoa feel about Nana, despite the leg discussions?
Ans. Adjoa admires and likes Nana for almost everything else, but is confused and slightly troubled by her harsh focus on legs. She balances affection with critical observation.

20. What does this part of the story reveal about Adjoa’s understanding of adults?
Ans. Adjoa realizes adults have complex views and biases. Nana’s strictness and Maami’s quiet courage show contrasting approaches to authority, highlighting Adjoa’s growing awareness of adult behaviour and cultural expectations.

Three-Mark Questions

1.    Why does Nana repeatedly comment on Adjoa’s legs?
Ans. Nana focuses on Adjoa’s legs because she believes physical traits are important for women, especially for childbearing. She critiques that Adjoa’s legs are too thin and long, comparing them to her ideal of legs with meat and strong calves. Nana’s repeated comments reveal her authority, traditional beliefs, and the cultural emphasis on women’s reproductive fitness, shaping Adjoa’s understanding of adult expectations.

2.    How does Maami react to Nana’s criticism, and what does it reveal?
Ans. Maami quietly defends Adjoa, reminding Nana that some children have no legs. She speaks softly and cautiously, showing her attempt to maintain peace and protect her daughter. Maami’s reaction reveals her gentle courage and the power imbalance between herself and Nana. Adjoa observes her mother’s silent weeping inside, highlighting how adults often suppress emotions in the face of authority.

3.    Explain the significance of Nana mentioning children born without limbs.
Ans. Nana brings up rare accidents, like children born without arms or legs, to contextualize her critique. She shows that although such cases are serious, Adjoa’s legs are fortunate, yet still not ideal in her view. This discussion demonstrates Nana’s preoccupation with physical perfection and societal expectations. It also reflects the story’s theme of adults’ judgments shaping a child’s understanding of normalcy and adequacy.

4.    What does the phrase “legs that have meat on them with good calves” mean?
Ans. Nana’s phrase describes her ideal legs for women—strong, well-proportioned, and capable of supporting solid hips for childbearing. This shows her traditional values connecting physical traits to reproductive ability. Adjoa observes and internalizes these standards, reflecting her curiosity, confusion, and the story’s theme of children noticing adult preoccupations and societal pressures regarding gender and body norms.

5.    How does Adjoa perceive Nana’s authority over Maami?
Ans. Adjoa notices that Nana’s tone, words, and subtle references to her father silence Maami. Her mother becomes quiet, even when she wishes to defend her child. This observation shows the power dynamics in the family, Nana’s strict and dominant personality, and how children understand adult authority, gender hierarchies, and social expectations by observing interactions between adults.

6.    Describe the cultural beliefs reflected in Nana’s discussions about legs.
Ans. Nana’s discussions reveal cultural beliefs linking women’s physical traits to reproductive ability. Legs with meat, strong calves, and solid hips are valued because they support childbearing. Adults’ comments, critiques, and standards reflect traditional norms, societal focus on motherhood, and intergenerational expectations. Adjoa’s narration shows a child noticing these beliefs, the pressures placed on women, and how physical appearance is tied to social and cultural acceptability.

7.    Why does Nana include comments about Adjoa’s father in the discussions?
Ans. Nana mentions Adjoa’s father subtly to remind Maami of her life choices and challenges. This reference adds weight to her critique of Adjoa’s legs, reinforcing her authority. It silences Maami, demonstrating how adults use indirect arguments to assert control. Adjoa observes these subtleties, gaining insight into adult reasoning, judgment, and the way family members influence each other through speech and implication.

8.    How does Adjoa’s limited exposure to other women’s legs affect her?
Ans. Adjoa can only see her mother, Nana, friends, and schoolmates’ legs because older women wear long wrap-arounds. This restriction limits her understanding of adult women’s physical traits. It heightens her curiosity and leaves her confused about Nana’s standards. The experience reflects cultural norms, modesty, and the challenge children face in interpreting adult expectations, contributing to Adjoa’s developing awareness of societal rules and adult judgments.

9.    How does the narrative show the contrast between Nana and Maami?
Ans. Nana is authoritative, judgmental, and concerned with physical perfection, while Maami is gentle, defensive, and cautious. Their interactions reveal a power imbalance, differing approaches to discipline, and generational contrasts. Adjoa notices these differences, learning about adult authority, negotiation, and cultural expectations. The narrative highlights how children perceive and internalize adult behavior, understanding complex social and familial dynamics from everyday conversations.

10. What is the significance of Adjoa’s observations about legs in the story?
Ans. Adjoa’s observations about legs symbolize her awareness of adult preoccupations, societal norms, and expectations for women. Legs represent standards of beauty, strength, and reproductive fitness. Her curiosity, confusion, and reflection show the child’s perspective on judgment, authority, and cultural values. This theme develops her understanding of human behavior, the tension between love and critique, and how children learn about society through family interactions.