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Themes In The Novel 'Americanah' By Chimamanda Adichie

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The renowned author Chimamanda Adichie narrates the novel, “Americanah” in a multifaceted way. Literature is not superficial it connects individuals with larger truths and ideas in society by tying in all universal goals, dreams, disappointments and tragedies. Adichie uses this binding material as she frames memories within stories, she disseminates scenes from different times and makes numerous political statements throughout the narrative. She is the chronicler, social commentator, whiner and storyteller. The metamorphic theme of separation versus connection spans the novel and explores the intricacies of culture and rapport amongst racial divides, identity, physical distances, personal misunderstandings and blacks in Nigeria, America and England.
Ironically “Americanah” refers to Nigerians returning home after living in America, yet the American Dream becomes Aunty Uju’s and Ifemelu’s only escape. When fate fails the General, America ensconces Aunty Uju. When the university fails Ifemelu, she joins Aunty Uju in America. America is the saving card and everyone hankers after it. “‘I have told you what they told me. You are in a country that is not your own. You do what you have to do if you want to succeed.’ There it was again, the …show more content…

Race causes Ifemelu continual confusion and hidden discomfort in her relationship. “It was not that they avoided race, she and Curt. They talked about it in the slippery way that admitted nothing and engaged nothing and ended with the word ‘crazy’ like a curious nugget to be examined and then put aside”. Curt and Ifemelu are exposed to stereotypical ideas about interracial relationships. This is reinforced by the line “When you are black in America and you fall in love with a white person, race doesn’t matter when you’re alone together because it’s just you and your love, but the minute you step outside, race

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