Joe de Graft’s seminal play, Sons and Daughters , remains a cornerstone of African literature and drama. Written in the 1960s, this powerful Ghanaian text explores the deep-seated tensions between traditional African parental expectations and the burgeoning desires of a younger generation seeking personal and professional autonomy.
AGNES: (encouragingly) Well, you'll figure it out. You're young.
James insists his children pursue "prestigious" careers—Engineering for Aaron and Law for Maanan—to bolster the family’s social status. download sons and daughters by joe de graft pdf
The conflict escalates as James enlists the help of his trusted friend, Lawyer Bonu, to force the admissions through. The "betrayal" theme becomes evident when it is revealed that Lawyer Bonu, the supposedly trustworthy family friend, has been secretly making advances toward Maanan. In a climactic scene, he forcefully tries to kiss her, exposing his hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy. This event, combined with the news that Awere has sold his paintings for a significant sum (220 pounds), forces James to confront the error of his ways and eventually concede to his children's freedom of choice.
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Sons and Daughters was first published by Oxford University Press in 1964 as part of their influential Three Crowns Book series. At just 53 pages in its original print edition, the play is a model of dramatic economy, packing profound social commentary into a compact, one-act structure. It was reprinted in 1969, 1974, 1979, and 2006, a testament to its lasting appeal and its consistent presence in school curricula across Africa. The play’s International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is 9780192125620, which is useful for locating it in library catalogs or for verifying the authenticity of a digital copy.
Please note that some online copies of the play may be available for preview or limited access, and downloading copyrighted materials without permission may be against the law. Joe de Graft’s seminal play, Sons and Daughters
To download "Sons and Daughters" by Joe de Graft in PDF format, follow these steps. Please note that availability might vary based on your location and the laws regarding digital distribution of copyrighted materials.
: The play peaks when James Ofosu discovers Lawyer Bonu’s true character, forcing him to realize that professional titles don't equal moral worth. You're young
"Sons and Daughters" holds a significant place in Ghanaian literature, as it was one of the first plays to explore the complexities of Ghanaian culture and society. De Graft's work challenged the dominant Western literary traditions of the time, offering a uniquely Ghanaian perspective on family life, cultural heritage, and identity.