The poem "Akosua 'Nowa" by Joe de Graft delves into themes of gender roles, societal

expectations, and the dynamics of power between men and women. Let's analyze the poem,
focusing on its symbolism and the perspectives on gender roles.

Symbolism:

1. Guinea-fowl and Treasure: The guinea-fowl symbolizes Akosua 'Nowa, and the
"treasure" it lays refers to her femininity or, more specifically, her sexuality. The
choice of a guinea fowl as a symbol suggests a certain wildness and elusiveness
associated with the feminine.
2. Red Ant: The red ant serves as a messenger or a conduit of information. It
symbolizes the means through which the speaker communicates with Akosua 'Nowa.
Its position "upon the tree" emphasizes its role as an observer, possibly hinting at
societal surveillance or gossip.
3. Loading the Gun: The act of loading the gun is a metaphor for the speaker preparing
to assert his masculine power. It implies a response to a perceived challenge to his
manhood, possibly stemming from Akosua 'Nowa's rejection or dismissive attitude.

Gender Role Perspectives:

1. Akosua 'Nowa: Akosua 'Nowa is portrayed as a woman who is aware of her allure
and holds power over men. Her response to the speaker's inquiry about her "treasure"
suggests a certain level of confidence and defiance against traditional gender norms.
She challenges the societal expectation that women should be demure or passive
about their sexuality.
2. The Speaker: The speaker, likely a man, feels a threat to his masculinity due to
Akosua 'Nowa's rejection. His decision to load the gun and the mention of "liquid
fire" in it suggest a violent or forceful response, reflecting a traditional notion of male
dominance and control. The idea of shooting his way to the hidden treasure implies a
sense of entitlement to women's bodies.

Societal Expectations:

1. Gendered Behavior: The poem reflects societal expectations about how men and
women should behave. Men are expected to be assertive, dominant, and, if necessary,
forceful in pursuing their desires. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be
elusive and guarded about their sexuality.
2. Power Dynamics: The power dynamics in the poem highlight the traditional
imbalance between men and women. While Akosua 'Nowa asserts her autonomy and
control over her sexuality, the male speaker responds with a potentially violent and
possessive reaction, revealing the societal pressure on men to assert dominance.

Writer's Concerns:

Joe de Graft's concerns, as portrayed in the poem, seem to revolve around challenging and
questioning traditional gender norms and power dynamics. The poem critiques the societal
expectations placed on both men and women and exposes the potential for violence and
control when these expectations are not met.
In conclusion, "Akosua 'Nowa" is a poignant exploration of gender roles, power dynamics,
and societal expectations, using rich symbolism to convey complex emotions and challenges
within the context of relationships and cultural norms.