How Does Adichie Show Colonization In Nigeria?

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In the novel, Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is a complex multiple narrative. The novel focuses on the three main protagonist perspective of Ugwu a Nigerian houseboy, Olanna the London accomplished beauty and Richard an expatriate whom is considered to be a “pretty boy”; these three characters participate in their story telling of the Biafran war. Despite its many aspect of deception, bloodshed and large government programs, colonization in Nigeria plays an important role in the novel Half of a Yellow Sun. Colonization is expressed through the use of culture, war and characterization in Half of a Yellow Sun.
Adichie uses culture as a key element to show colonisation in Nigeria. At the beginning of …show more content…

This is a perfect example of racist stereotypes about Nigerians and also how foreigners view Nigerians. Around the middle of the chapter the reader gets a closer look into the relationship of Richard and Kainene, Richard is having a slight problems preforming in bed. Richard believes that if he acquires man herbs, he will be able to perform in bed. This situation is similar to Ugwu quest to find herb to soften Odenigbo’s heart. Richard finally finds someone who knows about the herbs and is told that they do not “work for a white man”. This shows how ignorant and gullible Richard is into believing in these things. In addition Richards gets his houseboy Harrison, who is very fond with English culture. Harrison looks at English culture with high admiration compared to his own Nigerian culture “But, Sah, I am cooking the food of your country; all the food you are eating as children I cook. In fact, I’m not cooking Nigerian foods, only foreign recipe”. (Adichie, 91). Harrison brags about cooking English food, and request to make it for his master even if Richard likes Nigerian food. This has a lot to do with the colonization, due to the English brainwashing Nigerians in thinking they are superior to

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