Themes

Colonialism and racism

One of the main themes explored in the story “Jumping Monkey Hill” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is that of colonialism and racism. This is mainly looked at through the conflict and tension between the African workshop participants and Edward. 

Edward does not bother to respect and adapt to the culture and customs of the country he is visiting. Instead, he expects everyone else to adapt to his way of life instead, which he considers “right”. Examples of this are the fact that he does not let the workshop participants drink beer, choosing wine instead, or the very early breakfast time which the Africans are not used to and do not like. 

The resort Edward chose as the location for the workshop also reflects this view as it is mostly populated by white tourists who seem wary of black Africans even though they are visitors to their country. These attitudes are reflective of the colonial mindset, which treats the native people of colonized countries as inferiors or savages who must be taught to adapt to the superior way of life of the colonizers. Even though, at the time the story is written, Nigeria is an independent country, some Westerners still seem to cling to this mindset. 

Edward’s racist attitude is also shown in the way he acts as though he knows what Africa is like better than actual African people. Edward and his wife Hilary hold a lot of stereotypical views about Africa which they do not like to have challenged and do not accept ideas that do not align with their preconceived...