Perspectives

Literary perspective

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a contemporary writer whose works of fiction often fall in the category of postcolonial and postmodernist literature. Postcolonialism focuses on issues related to colonialism and the influence of former colonial powers, like…

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Works by the same author

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is the author of “Cell One”, a short story that was also published in the collection The Thing Around Your Neck. In “Cell One”, a young man named Nnamabia wishes to be popular and steals from his family. The young man is arrested two years after the incident when the authorities believe he is a member of a cult. The story deals with themes such as cruelty and injustice and coming of age. 

To better understand Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s views and interests, it would also be useful to look at some of her speeches. For example, in her Commencement Address at Wellesley College, Adichie promo…

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Works with the same theme

The short story “The Dead” by James Joyce also explores the theme of identity. The story presents a Christmas party where the main character Gabriel gives a speech about Irish people and their values. Gabriel struggles with his personal identity versus his national identity, perceiving the two as incompatible. In “Imitation”, Nkem is also torn between her identity as a Nigerian and as an American immigrant. 

Another story which explores the theme of identity is “The Fat Girl” by Andre Dubus. In the stor…