Themes

Identity

One of the main themes explored in the short story “Imitation” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is identity. 

First, the story shows how Nkem tries to take back her identity as a woman and as a wife. After she finds out about Obiora’s mistress, she decides to cut her hair short, as a gesture of defiance towards her husband and as an empowering gesture for herself. At the end of the story, Nkem is no longer a silent, passive part of her marriage, but finds her voice and boldly expresses her desires. 

The story also looks at the issue of cultural identity. Nkem, who is a Nigerian woman, has been estranged from her native country when Obiora has decided that she should stay in America with their children. Therefore, Nkem is afraid that she will not be able to ...