Imitation

This study guide will help you analyze the short story “Imitation” (2009) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. You can also find a summary of the text, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (b. 1977) is a Nigerian writer. Her most famous novels are Purple Hibiscus (2003), Half of a Yellow Sun (2006), and Americanah (2013). Her fiction often centers on race and gender and her non-fiction writing explores feminist themes. The short story “Imitation” is part of her short story collection The Thing Around Your Neck, published in 2009.

Extract

Here, you can read an extract from our study guide:

Symbols

The Benin mask is one of the first symbols that appear in the story and the one which is closely connected to the title. Just like the majority of the art pieces that Obiora brings from Nigeria, the Benin mask is an imitation. In this way, the mask becomes a symbol of Nkem’s marriage with Obiora, which Nkem begins to realize is only an imitation of the kind of relationship she desires.

The small drink that Nkem and Amaechi share for quite some time is a symbol of bonding. When they drink together, they are equal, even though Nkem is the master and Amaechi is the servant. The drink is also a symbol of friendship and emotional connection.

Nkem’s hair is also an important symbol in the story. When she keeps it long and around her neck, Nkem’s hair symbolizes her submission to Obiora and her passiveness. For Obiora, Nkem’s hair is an accessory and a symbol of his status...