Ezeugo Anthonia

In this Song of Maiden, a play by Zulu Sofola, the writer consciously created a character that is contrary to the one she created in the Wedlock of the gods. In this present play, the protagonist stands against the patriarchal predictions, the supernatural desires, and whatever the society wants from her. She refuses to obey them as against how Ogwoma reacted to her own detriment. Though Ogwoma doesn't like the marriage between her and Adigwu, her parents, Adigwu, even the society do not listen to her plight. They force her into that cursed union. No wonder the marriage is fruitless but surrounded with tragedies. But in Song of Maiden, Yetunde refuses the marriage with Prof Odeyinka even when it is desired by the gods. Besides, the mother Aduke, instead of being an accomplice with the gods or the society stands with the daughter in the fight by supporting her daughter's choice against her role as a housewife who should not be heard. Aduke confronts the tradition and convinces her husband who whole -heartedly accepts the daughter's stand. The case is different from what happened in Wedlock of the gods where Ogwoma is naive and flogged on her way to Adigwu's house. The mother collaborates in daughter's punishment because she wants to save her sick son with Ogwoma's dowry from Agigwu which Uloko is not capable of affording. She may have saved her son but she has lost her daughter forever. Where is her joy after all the tragedies that ensued? Women should follow the steps of Yetunde and her mother to say no to forced marriage because it breeds an evil wind... Prof. Anthonia Ezeugo