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This presentation delves into Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's concept of the "single story" and what it signifies about identity and power dynamics, particularly within the context of Nigerian history and colonialism. Through the lens of characters from her novel, we explore how narratives are shaped, the voices that dominate, and the implications for personal identity and cultural representation. Key characters such as Ugwu, Olanna, and Odenigbo illuminate different perspectives on social class and identity, prompting us to consider the significance of their experiences and the constructed nature of their identities.
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L.O. To analyse what Adichie might mean by a single story? • “You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man. Do you hear me?' Aunty Ifeka said. 'Your life belongs to you and you alone.” • Meaning?
Watch the clips: • http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20130614-telling-a-new-story-of-africa • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg
Quotes Analysis: • “...my point is that the only authentic identity for the African is the tribe...I am Nigerian because a white man created Nigeria and gave me that identity. I am black because the white man constructed black to be as different as possible from his white. But I was Igbo before the white man came.”
Quote 2: • “...my point is that the only authentic identity for the African is the tribe...I am Nigerian because a white man created Nigeria and gave me that identity. I am black because the white man constructed black to be as different as possible from his white. But I was Igbo before the white man came.”
Task 1: • Write a short presentation that seeks to explain what Adichie might mean by a single story? • Questions to think about: • Who’s story is dominant? • Who creates the story? • In chapter 1 & 2 who’s voice in dominant? • How is identity constructed?
Key words: • Colonialism. • Power. • Identity.
L.O. To create Character profiles for the main characters in the novel. • List the main characters in the novel so far. • Odenigbo • Olanna • Kainene • Ugwu • Richard. • Susan. • MrMadhu. • Harrison. • Jomo. • Okon? • Molly?
Character profiles: • Key facts about them: • Quotes that highlight an aspect of their character. • An image – what do you think they look like? • Supporting quote. • Key events in their lives. • Arrange all in order of importance. • Colour code.
Questions to consider: • What is the significance of changing narrators with each chapter? How do the viewpoints of Ugwu and Olanna differ? Particularly in Ch. 1, 2 & 3? • What is the importance of Olanna’s negative view on marriage? What about defying her parents?
Ugwu: • Ugwu is only thirteen when he begins working as a houseboy for Odenigbo, but he is one of the most intelligent and observant characters in the novel. How well does Ugwu manage the transition from village life to the intellectual and privileged world of his employers? How does his presence throughout affect the reader’s experience of the story? • Ugwu is only thirteen when he begins working as a houseboy for Odenigbo, but he is one of the most intelligent and observant characters in the novel. How well does Ugwu manage the transition from village life to the intellectual and privileged world of his employers? How does his presence throughout affect the reader’s experience of the story?
Social class: • Discuss the ways in which Adichie reveals the differences in social class among her characters. What are the different cultural assumptions—about themselves and others—made by educated Africans like Odenigbo, nouveau riche Africans like Olanna’s parents, uneducated Africans like Odenigbo’s mother, and British expatriates like Richard’s ex-girlfriend Susan?
What does Adichie achieve through the rampant use of sexuality? Is Olanna an over-sexualized character?
Plenary: • Who is the most important character in the first 3 chapters of the novel ? Why?
