Question

Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

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.

1. Whose opinion is talked about here? How sound is this opinion? (Understanding and Analysis)
2. What is meant by the ‘such things’ that are not meant to be talked about on a daily basis? (Analysis)
3. What kind of legs are not liked? And by whom? (Understanding)
4. With what should a female child come into the world? (Understanding)
5. Does the narrator get any complex in her mind due to her so-called imperfection? Explain. (Analysis and Evaluation)

Answer 1

1. The opinion is Nana’s. She believes that a girl should have properly built, strong legs. Her opinion is based on traditional beliefs rather than facts, so it is not a sound or fair way to judge a girl’s abilities or worth.
2. “Such things” refers to matters related to a girl’s physical appearance and her ability to become a mother. Nana considers these personal matters that should not be discussed openly every day.
3. Long, thin and unusually shaped legs are not liked by Nana. She considers such legs unsuitable for a girl and worries that they may affect her ability to become a mother.
4. According to Nana, a female child should come into the world with properly formed, strong and normal legs.
5. No, Adjoa does not develop a lasting inferiority complex because of her legs. She is thoughtful and confident enough to question Nana’s beliefs. Later, her success as an athlete proves that her long, thin legs are actually an advantage rather than an imperfection.