No Sweetness Here

“He was beautiful, but that was not important.”

This is the first line of the story. Before the reader even knows Chicha’s name, she is established as an observer—the first quality she notes about Kwesi is a visual one. By starting out with Kwesi, Chicha makes clear that he is the node around which the story gathers. However, instead of his name or qualities, we are given only a superficial note on his appearance. It is the beautiful, good son, and not Kwesi the boy himself, who is loved and desired.

“Please, Chicha, I always know you are just making fun of me, but please, promise me won’t take Kwesi away with you.”

This is the first of many repetitions of Maami Ama wanting Kwesi by her side, foreshadowing the devastation she will feel when she loses him. Chicha is her friend; Chicha would take good care of Kwesi and only wants to expose him to a good education. Maami Ama is terrified to lose him, but has a gentle and subservient manner even when standing up for herself.

“One’s yams reflect the sum total of one’s life. And mine look wretched enough.”

In this story, imagery is not used solely in the narration. Imagery is used within the dialogue itself a great deal. The community members speak with metaphors, similes, and vivid traditional sayings.