Summary of the girl who can short story
"The Girl Who Can" is a short story by Ama Ata Aidoo about a young girl named Esi who is able to talk to animals and plants. Her ability leads to conflicts with her classmates and teachers, who do not believe her. Esi's grandmother encourages her to embrace her gift and not be ashamed of it. Eventually, Esi's ability allows her to save a boy from drowning, proving her powers to the others. The story emphasizes the importance of accepting and valuing diversity.
"The Girl Who Can" is a short story by Aimee Bender. The narrative revolves around a young girl who possesses an extraordinary ability. She has the power to make anything small simply by touching it. The protagonist, whose name is not revealed, uses her remarkable skill to shrink objects she finds beautiful and keeps them in a secret collection.
The story begins with the girl's debut in school, where she amazes her classmates and teacher by shrinking a piece of chalk. News about her unique talent spreads, and soon she starts receiving requests from people who want their possessions to be miniaturized. However, the girl becomes overwhelmed by the pressure and expectations of others.
Despite her mysterious ability, the girl is just like any other child who desires friendships and connections. She makes friends with a boy named Eddie, and they form a bond over their shared love for small things. However, the girl realizes that Eddie sees her primarily as a spectacle and not as a real friend.
As the story progresses, the girl becomes aware of the limitations of her power. She can only shrink objects but cannot make them grow or change in any other way. She deeply yearns for the ability to undo the miniaturization and restore objects to their original sizes.
In the end, the girl decides to stop using her power altogether. She becomes upset when she is unable to reverse the processes she has started, leaving her with a collection of tiny items that she no longer finds beautiful. The story concludes with the girl contemplating the meaning of her extraordinary ability and the impact it has had on her life.
"The Girl Who Can" explores themes of power, identity, and the desire for genuine connections. It raises questions about the consequences of having a unique skill and the importance of being seen beyond one's abilities.