Anowa’s character is seen by many to be a symbol of feminism, and a telling example of contemporary Ghanaian history growing from its restrictive past. Anowa’s actions ultimately bring about her ruin. She chooses her own suitor, thus remaining true to her own beliefs. Her actions, however, result in an unhappy marriage and, ultimately, leadleading to her death. Moreover, Aidoo’s play shows how the treatment of women mirrors the treatment of people through the act of slavery, thus tying economic oppression to domestic oppression. Both acts are covered up by silence and a reliance on tradition. The villagers are complicit in the slave trade, in harming their own people, just like human beings are complicit in harming one another through traditions such as forced marriage and defining social roles for women. Anowa’s fate is symbolic of what happens when freedoms are taken away,; when people are forced to live not by their own choosing, but by the rules of others.