In the Castle of My Skin: (Re)Inscribing an African “Feminist” Identity in Changes and Faceless

This paper comparatively analyses the portrayal of ‘feminist’ identity in Aidoo’s Changes (1994) and Darko’s Faceless (2003). It is on the representation/description of ‘feminist’ identity as well as the dynamics that govern issues of dissent between the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ gendered discourses. In Faceless, the author delineates the point of divergence between the ‘older’ generation and the ‘younger’ generation. There seems to be an apparent deviation from ingrained gendered sensibilities. Such a situation leads to a subtle confrontation between the ‘old’ and the ‘new.’ The contemporary gendered formation is rife with both individualistic tendencies as well as the principles of Negofeminism. This theory thrives on the principles of negotiation, collaboration and inclusiveness. The issue of collaboration leads to a clash as there is the subversion of gendered roles. In Changes, the writer has an ambivalent vision as she vacillates between the portrayals of the ‘modern woman’ typified in Esi and the ‘traditional woman’ who seems hemmed in by traditional norms. Finally, the modern woman seeking to (re) inscribe new identity will not ‘survive. This is the very society with an ultimate aim to tag her with a new identity. The paper argues that the continual blissful existence and relevance of women can be achieved if they find a way to articulate and negotiate their needs within the ‘confines’ of their traditionally defined place. In other words, the quest for identity and significance should be firmly hinged on the tenets of the very society within which they seek to ‘find an identity.’