Adichie's Imitation

“Imitation” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie focuses on the relationship between man and woman. Specifically, Adichie explores stereotypical women’s roles within their family and in their romantic relationships. Nkem sacrifices herself in order to favor her husband, Obiora. In the process of pleasing Obiora, she looses sight of her own identity and sense of purpose in life. Adichie stresses the fact that Nkem thinks more and says less to her husband on various issues. For example, when Nkem sheds light onto her living situation, she says “[I] knew many Nigerian couples together, all year, [but I] said nothing” (Adichie 25). Stereotypically, women are expected to keep quiet and go along with her husband. For example, Obiora wanted his children “To be like their neighbors', the kind of children who sniffed at that had fallen on the dirt, saying it was spoiled” (Adichie 24). …show more content…
[But] she said nothing” (Adichie 27). Nkem constantly went along with that Obiora wanted, regardless of how she felt. For example, on their first date, Nkem wasn’t too fond of the wine Obiora ordered. But Obiora told her "You will come to like it […] [so] she made herself like the wine right away” (Adichie 32). Additionally, Obiora is opinionated in many aspects of Nkem life. As shown, that Nkem wore her hair “Set in a flip that would rest around her neck the way Obiora likes” and groomed herself in a specific way, as well (Adichie 27). Although, Nkem spent years thinking and doing what Obiora wanted, she also broke free in a sense. For example, Nkem decided to cut her hair short and skip out on grooming herself to Obiora’s standards (Adichie 28). Additionally, she is firm and direct when addressing her desire on moving back. As said, “We are moving back at the end of the school