In “Dilemma of a Ghost” what does Monka mean when said that she has ‘the hardest mouth in this town’?

In Ama Ata Aidoo's play "Dilemma of a Ghost," the character Monka is a strong-willed and outspoken woman who challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. When she says that she has "the hardest mouth in this town," she means that she is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in, even if it goes against the norms of her community.

Monka's "hard mouth" is both a source of pride and a point of contention in the play. While she is admired by some characters for her confidence and independence, others view her as impudent and disrespectful. Her husband Ato, for example, frequently chastises her for speaking out of turn and defying his authority.

Throughout the play, Monka's "hard mouth" serves as a symbol of her resistance to the patriarchal structures that seek to silence her. By refusing to be silenced, Monka asserts her own agency and fights for her right to be heard. In this way, her "hard mouth" represents a powerful form of resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to keep her and other women in their place.

As Monka says herself, "I will speak when I have to. I have a hard mouth, and I'm not afraid to use it." This declaration encapsulates her unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power and challenging the status quo. Ultimately, Monka's "hard mouth" is a key aspect of her identity as a strong, independent woman who refuses to be silenced or oppressed by the society around her.