Themes and message

Nostalgia and memories

The theme of memories and nostalgia is central to the short story “Ghosts” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The main character and narrator, James, meets a former colleague he thought was dead, and the meeting triggers a series of memories as well as a sense of nostalgia that remains with James until the end of the story.

At first glance, James seems to be well-adjusted and moving on from his past experiences. He has a well-established routine and enjoys having control of his life, as he tells his daughter, Nkurru, when she asks him whether he is happy. However, James also has a very deep connection with his past, something which is illustrated by his belief that his dead wife visits him in the night. The visits suggest that, while James has come to terms with the past, he also wants to hold on to the memories he has.

The title of the short story ...