Daughter of Yaw and Esther; granddaughter of Akua, the woman known for setting fires.
This chapter is the last from Afia’s family tree perspective.
Next chapter will focus on Marcus, Essie's final descendant.
Plot Summary
Setting: Ghana, visiting her grandmother (Akua/Old Lady) at Cape Coast.
Marjorie deals with a bothersome local boy offering tours as she arrives at her grandmother’s house.
The family has a ritual of walking to the water, symbolizing the connection with ancestors.
Themes and Symbolism
Connection to Ancestry: Marjorie’s necklace, given by her father, symbolizes family history and heritage.
Identity and Belonging: Marjorie's experiences in Ghana vs. Alabama highlight themes of cultural identity and belonging.
Intergenerational Trauma: The scars and stories from Marjorie's grandmother serve as a physical and emotional link to past traumas.
Significant Events
Arrival and Interaction with Grandmother: Marjorie’s visit to her grandmother, their deep emotional and historical connection is evident.
Ancestry Rituals: The symbolic act of walking to the water, and the story of how her umbilical cord was sent to Ghana to keep her spirit connected to the homeland.
Pressure of Identity: Marjorie’s struggle with her identity in Alabama contrasted with her cultural rituals in Ghana.
School Life and Isolation
High School in Alabama: Marjorie is teased for her accent, furthering her sense of being an outsider. Experiences racist bullying and cultural alienation.
Friendship with Graham: A boy at school who shares a love for books, symbolizes a brief connection and understanding, but ultimately also leaves her feeling isolated.
Influence of Literature: Marjorie’s interactions with her English teacher and her father’s book showcase her intellectual growth and emotional struggles with identity.
Grandmother's Guidance
Spiritual Lessons: Old Lady teaches Marjorie about the spiritual significance of their ancestry and the ocean ritual, ensuring Marjorie knows where