Dilemma of a Ghost (summary) Study Guide
Rated A+
1). Prelude
Ans: Context is introduced.
Eulalie and Ato presented as a young married couple whose relationship is able to change
rapidly. It is shown that the two of them are in America, in love, and have wedded. Ato is a
Ghanaian man, and Eulalie is an African American woman. Ato promises that 'all my people
your people...'.
Ambiguity towards the end can be about: The cultural differences between Eulalie and Ato,
or the fact that the two of them have decided not to have children (a massive taboo in
Ghanaian culture).
2). Act one
Ans: 1st Woman and 2nd Woman discuss the topic of childbearing and the audience
learns that the 1st woman is barren and the 2nd woman already has children. Also learn
about the popularity of Ato's house - a 'Clan house', and how Ato's return home is going to
be celebrated with the 'aroma of the fryings and stewings' prepared for him.
Nana (prominent female character) is also introduced here. The entire family gathers for
Ato's arrival. They begin to talk about how, since Ato has received a foreign education, he
will see himself as somewhat superior to the rest of his family.
Conversation then shifts about organising Ato's marriage before Ato breaks the news that
he is already married. Chaos breaks out as the stage fills with questions. The family seems
to mock Eulalie's name 'Hurere!' before being even more flabbergasted by discovering 'She
has no tribe'. They then automatically assume that Eulalie is white and Esi (Ato's mother)
exclaims: 'Why should my own go and marry a white woman?'. Ato then informs them that
'my wife is as black as we all are', and 'sighs of relaxation' fill the stage. That is before Nana
overreacts and deducts 'And so, my grand-child, all you want to tell us is that your wife is a
slave?', and when Ato attempts to correct her she dismisses him - 'do not talk with the
foolishness of your generation'. Ironic seeing as he was education abroad.
3). Act one (continued)
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Rated A+
1). Prelude
Ans: Context is introduced.
Eulalie and Ato presented as a young married couple whose relationship is able to change
rapidly. It is shown that the two of them are in America, in love, and have wedded. Ato is a
Ghanaian man, and Eulalie is an African American woman. Ato promises that 'all my people
your people...'.
Ambiguity towards the end can be about: The cultural differences between Eulalie and Ato,
or the fact that the two of them have decided not to have children (a massive taboo in
Ghanaian culture).
2). Act one
Ans: 1st Woman and 2nd Woman discuss the topic of childbearing and the audience
learns that the 1st woman is barren and the 2nd woman already has children. Also learn
about the popularity of Ato's house - a 'Clan house', and how Ato's return home is going to
be celebrated with the 'aroma of the fryings and stewings' prepared for him.
Nana (prominent female character) is also introduced here. The entire family gathers for
Ato's arrival. They begin to talk about how, since Ato has received a foreign education, he
will see himself as somewhat superior to the rest of his family.
Conversation then shifts about organising Ato's marriage before Ato breaks the news that
he is already married. Chaos breaks out as the stage fills with questions. The family seems
to mock Eulalie's name 'Hurere!' before being even more flabbergasted by discovering 'She
has no tribe'. They then automatically assume that Eulalie is white and Esi (Ato's mother)
exclaims: 'Why should my own go and marry a white woman?'. Ato then informs them that
'my wife is as black as we all are', and 'sighs of relaxation' fill the stage. That is before Nana
overreacts and deducts 'And so, my grand-child, all you want to tell us is that your wife is a
slave?', and when Ato attempts to correct her she dismisses him - 'do not talk with the
foolishness of your generation'. Ironic seeing as he was education abroad.
3). Act one (continued)
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