Class 10 English - ICSE
Story: The Girl Who Can
The Girl Who Can by Ama Ata Aidoo is a poignant short story prescribed for Class 10 ICSE students under the Literature in English curriculum. It explores themes of generational conflict, bodily autonomy, traditional vs. modern values, and gender discrimination through the eyes of a young Ghanaian girl, Adjoa. Her grandmother, Nana, constantly criticizes Adjoa's thin and spindly legs, fearing she will never bear children or marry. However, Adjoa triumphs by winning a school running competition, proving that her legs are strong and useful. For board exams, it is crucial to focus on character analysis, symbolism, and socio-cultural themes.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Generational Conflict
The ideological clash between Nana, who represents traditional African societal expectations of womanhood, and Adjoa and her mother Maami, who represent a more progressive modern outlook.
Symbolism of Legs
Adjoa's 'spindly' legs are initially viewed by Nana as a symbol of physical weakness and inadequacy, but they ultimately become the instruments of her triumph and pride.
Gender Discrimination and Patriarchy
The underlying societal pressure where a woman's value is heavily tied to her physical appearance and reproductive capability rather than her individual achievements.
Childhood Perspective and Naivety
The story is narrated from the innocent perspective of seven-year-old Adjoa, which highlights the absurdity of adult prejudices through her literal and honest observations.
Empowerment and Self-Worth
Adjoa's victory in the school sports competition marks her journey toward self-realization and validation, shifting her grandmother's perspective.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the ICSE Class 10 English Literature examination, this story frequently appears in Section B (Drama and Prose). It typically carries 10 to 15 marks through extract-based questions. Students can expect questions testing character sketches of Nana and Adjoa, symbolic interpretations of specific incidents, and thematic analysis of tradition versus modernity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Nana dislike Adjoa's legs?
Nana believes Adjoa's legs are too thin and spindly, which she fears means she will grow up to be sickly, unable to withstand childbearing, and incapable of doing hard farm work.
How does Nana's attitude change by the end of the story?
When Adjoa wins the regional school running competition and brings home a shiny cup, Nana's pride overrides her traditional prejudices, and she runs to show off the cup to the entire village.
What is the significance of the title 'The Girl Who Can'?
The title emphasizes Adjoa's capability and potential to break societal stereotypes, proving that young girls can achieve greatness despite being underestimated by older generations.
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