Analysis

The analysis of the short story “On Monday of Last Week” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shows that it follows a nonlinear plot structure. The narrative moves between present events and scenes from the past. 

The main character of the story is Kamara, a Nigerian immigrant to America. She works as a babysitter for an American family. The story focuses of on her relationship with the family she works for, as well as on the one with her husband, Tobechi. 

The setting is modern-day Philadelphia, America. Most of the action takes place inside the house of the family where Kamara works. Kamara’s environment in Nigeria is also briefly mentioned as well as the home Kamara now has with her husband, Tobechi. 

The story is told from the point of view of a third-person narrator who has access to Kamara’s thoughts and feelings. We see everything that happens only through Kamara’s eyes. 

The language is descriptive at times. There are some words in the Igbo language scattered throughout the story, as well as some terms which illustrate culture clash. The story uses various literary devices including metaphors and symbols that illustrate the main character’s struggles. 

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.