Why does Aminata want to marry Chekura?
Aminata and Chekura have a strong emotional connection. When Chekura is first introduced to Aminata he favors her and is a key to her survival. He gives her food and the basic necessities to survive. Originally she thinks of him as a brother figure. But we soon learn that they develop a romantic connection as well. The reason she wants to marry him, even in the difficult conditions is because he is the last piece that he was that connects her to her past life. To her, he understands her situation and can sympathize with her. They are both from Africa, and want to maintain African. He keeps her past alive in her, and she does not want to lose touch with that. Her parents, village, her entire life, they are all memories. Chekura helps keep those memories alive. She also wants to bind her family together, she is pregant without being married. In her village you were only respected if you were married as well. They want to keep the traditions alive.
I agree with your point that Chekura and Aminata wants to keep their traditions alive. As both are from the same village they can understand each others desires very well. I want to ask you a question though. Do you think Aminata would be more independent and happier withouth Chekura in her life? She suffers a lot from not being able to see him and it is so much danger from them to see each other. Wouldn't it be better if Aminata would spend her time more on herself than waiting for him? She could have focused more on her books and find a way to embrace freedom. What are your thoughts on that?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment Lea. We do learn a lot about Aminata and Chekura, and we can easily make the connection that for one another they represent each others home. As well as the memories that go along with it. I personally think that Aminata would of have had the same amount of happiness and independence weather or not she was in this long term relationship with Chekura. Since she was a slave it was ultimately life threatening for her and Chekura to visit each other but when they did see one another it brought both of them pure happiness. In regards to the independence I think that Aminata was seen as an independent lady throughout the whole novel, and that a relationship makes no impact on independence. I believe that the relationship between Chekura and Aminata also provided Aminata with protection. Thannk you fro your comment, and thoughts.
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