Analysis

The analysis of the short story “Cell One” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shows that the text has a non-chronological structure. Several flashbacks are inserted into the text to help readers have a better image of the main characters, as well as of the social context of the story. 

The main character of the short story is Nnamabia, the narrator’s brother. The narrative follows his evolution over the course of two years. Nnamabia’s parents are also important characters in the story.

The story’s physical setting is Nigeria, more specifically the town of Nsukka, Enugu State. The story’s focus is mainly on the Nsukka university campus, where the narrator and her family live. The Enugu police station, the place where Nnamabia is taken after his arrest, is also an important part of the setting. The story’s social setting explores issues such as police brutality, corruption, Western influences, and class differences. 

The events in the story are told by a first-person narrator, who is also one of the characters. The narrator is a witness to the events and offers her opinions on the other characters and their actions.

The language used in the story is neutral and reflects the social and political setting. Igbo language, which is spoken by an ethnic group living in south-eastern Nigeria, adds to the story’s authenticity and local color. 

A full analysis of the short story can be found in the following pages.