Edufa and his household are arranging for the party. Well, not so much Edufa, but the rest of the household is. Senchi and Edufa hold a very deep conversation while dressing for the occasion. Edufa admits to his best friend, “I wish I could like you, dare to bare myself for scrutiny. I’m being compelled to learn however, and the day will come, I suppose.” this quote shows how furtive and sneaky Edufa really is. You can tell, because he doesn't want people who hold him in high regard to see his downfalls and struggles. Even though he just admitted this fault in himself, Edufa's pride still shines through when he mentions to Senchi that the chorus, "[...] will not miss this chance to dine at Edufa's house." For one, he says that they will not miss the chance, implying that they may not have anything better to do or anyplace better to go. Secondly, he refers to himself in third person by calling himself Edufa. This enlightenment was clearly fleeting, because, a few lines later, he calls his friend an ass, and Senchi replies, “Yes, call me an ass. Always, it’s ‘You’re an ass!’ Seldom does a man say ‘I am an ass.’ That takes courage. […]” Senchi sees through his friend’s arrogance, and sees a coward. The chorus arrives and the dinner party has begun. Senchi entertains the chorus and everyone is having a great time. A ghastly figure is seen at the top of the steps, and it is Ampoma, stumbling around despite her illness. Edufa tries to rush her to the bed; however, the chorus warmly greets her, and is excited to have her dining with them. The chorus gives high praise to Ampoma for her grace and deity. While everyone, is enjoying the dinner and stories told by Senchi, Ampoma makes a proclamation of love for her husband, Edufa. The chorus as well as Senchi is very pleased. Throughout the party, Ampoma falls three times, and the chorus is startled. Finally, Ampoma says her good byes and asks for Edufa’s permission to her room. Edufa quickly storms after her, and leaves his dinner party lonely. They all sit around and wonder what’s going on, and Seguwa explains that Edufa is, “Most dangerous.” Senchi and the chorus are in disbelief, and when Edufa runs back to join the group, an owl hoots. Over this, Edufa goes insane, and gains an unnatural amount of human strength. They all realize that Ampoma is dead, while Edufa is wildly raging. The scene closes with Edufa preparing for revenge on “death”, and Senchi and the chorus singing.
Analysis.
Ampoma falling three times symbolizes her death is imminent. Although Edufa caught the tree stones in the previous act, it was not enough to keep his wife from death. Because Ampoma exchanged her life for Edufa’s the day she died, was the day of death for Edufa. This “appointment” obviously could not be missed.
When the owl hoots, it is symbolic. Edufa violently questions Seguwa and asks, “Didn’t he take that bird away?” Edufa wanted nothing to with owls, but again, he could not avoid it.
So does Edufa wants to be free for a second or he regrets having been married to Apoma because of the pain that it brings to see his beloved wife suffering at illness that he cannot heal?
ReplyDeletewhere are the motherless kids? where is that beyond the mountains. Can we assume that the kids are with Kankam and his wife or is Kankam no longer with his wife.
When the Act ended with Senchi singing to Apoma, is that a significant or just how it is?
Edufa's kids are with Ampoma's mother. She is yet to find out about her daughter's death. Towards the end, Seguwa acts hysterical. She calls Edufa a coward and a cursed man for letting his wife sacrifice her life for him. She wants the town to know the terrible act Edufa has done to his wife for he's the reason she died. But what I don't understand is the significance of Ampoma's third fall "on the sign of the sun, to the ground."
ReplyDelete