This work is generally perceived as a modern, feminist novel. "In 'Antagonistic Feminisms and Ama Ata Aidoo's Changes,' Kirsten Holst Petersen describes Aidoo's latest novel as a "provocation" that works between and against the various positions of African and Western feminisms to explore the questions of modern-day African female identity."[3] Waleska Saltori Simpson supports the claim that Changes is a feminist novel, stating that "…through Esi, Aidoo rejects situations and relationships, both in literature and society, that entrap women and define them within restricted spaces that limit the possibilities for a diversity of female identities."[3] Nada Elia suggests that the "articulation of the concept of 'marital rape' is critical to the conscious development of African feminism, as it allows for a woman's realization of her rightful ownership of her body under any and all circumstances."[4] However, although the book portrays polygamy in a negative light, it is not polygamy, but the selfish way in which polygamy is undertaken in the novel that Aidoo criticizes."[3] Pietro Deandrea argues that the novel brings to the fore its own distance from imposed Western models on the marriage issue.[5]
This content is from Wikipedia. GradeSaver is providing this content as a courtesy until we can offer a professionally written study guide by one of our staff editors. We do not consider this content professional or citable. Please use your discretion when relying on it.
