Analysis

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story “The Arrangers of Marriage” has a linear structure. The events take place in chronological order and center around the narrator’s struggles to become used to the American lifestyle and her new husband. 

The main characters are Chinaza Udenwa, a young Nigerian woman, and Ofodile Udenwa, a Nigerian medical intern who only wants to fit among the people in New York. Another important character is Nia, a black American woman who becomes Chinaza’s friend.

The physical setting is the city of New York. Ofodile takes his wife, Chinaza to various locations like the mall, a supermarket, and a McDonald’s, which highlight the differences between the Nigerian lifestyle and the American one. The social setting explores attitudes towards immigrants and gender roles.

The story is told by a first-person narrator, who is also the main character. The narrator offers a detailed account of the events, while also providing the reader access to her thoughts and feelings.

The language is neutral, and the author uses Nigerian words both for dialogue and narration. This highlights the authenticity of the text. 

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