The Struggle to Belong in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah

Cultural Identity, the Effects of Immigration on Personal Growth

Abstract

In this article, I am going to explore the ways in which identity is portrayed in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 2013 novel, Americanah. In particular, the way in which the protagonist, Ifemelu struggles with her own cultural identity. I will be arguing that throughout the novel, the protagonist goes through a personal growth journey as she discovers what it means to be part of both American and Nigerian culture and also the struggles of being a black woman in America. Aditionally, I am going to explore the romantic subplot between Ifemelu and Obinze, and the importance of love on belonging in the novel.