Title: Unveiling Societal Lies: Addressing Inequality in "Americanah" and "A Tale for the Time
Being"
Introduction:
In the realm of literature, authors have a unique ability to uncover hidden truths and expose
the lies, which permeate our society. As William Trevor once stated, fiction writers possess a
keen sense of detecting lies in real life. In the novels "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie and "A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki, the authors skillfully challenge
societal lies, particularly the pervasive issue of inequality. This essay will plunge into the
profound insights offered by these novels, highlighting the characters' struggles and
experiences as they confront the stark realities of inequality. By examining the nuanced
portrayal of social disparities, we can deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics
whcih shape our world.
Body Paragraph 1:
In "Americanah," Adichie meticulously explores the theme of social inequality through the
experiences of the protagonist, Ifemelu. The novel vividly depicts Ifemelu's journey from
Nigeria to the United States, where she confronts the blunt realities of racial and
socioeconomic divisions. Adichie exposes the lie about society operating on a level playing
field, as Ifemelu encounters prejudice, discrimination, and the limitations imposed by her
immigrant status. One quote which addresses such disparity is her discussion with a man on
a plane about nobody wanting to adopt black children: “Nobody wants black babies in this
country, and I don’t mean biracial, I mean black. Even the black families don’t want them. He
told her that he and his wife had adopted a black child and their neighbours looked at them
as though they had chosen to become martyrs for a dubious cause.”( Adichie, p. 45). It
would seem that at least innocent children should not be the targets of division but even
within them some are born favored. One more example of visible privilege is illustrated when
Ifemelu feels overwhelmed and intimidated by the presence of her boyfriend Curt's elite
circle of friends, highlighting the stark disparities in education, social status, and
opportunities. Through Ifemelu's narrative, Adichie exposes the systemic barriers
perpetuating inequality and the deep influence they have on individuals.
Body Paragraph 2:
Similarly, "A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki delves into the theme of inequality
through the character of Nao, a young Japanese girl who faces bullying by her classmates
and even teacher. Nao's experiences as an outsider, having lived in America and
subsequently returning to Japan, reveal the harsh reality of societal prejudice and
discrimination. She becomes a victim of bullying in her high school due to her unique
background, illustrating the damaging effects of social hierarchy and the lie of homogeneity
within a community. The quote “I tried to have a blog for a while…I named it The Future is
Nao! because I thought that my future in Japan was going to be one big American-style
adventure. How dumb was that?”(Ozeki, 125) showcases the effect of such lie, which
destroyed her expectation of a colorful life. Ozeki challenges the notion of a harmonious
society by exposing the inherent biases which lead to the marginalization of individuals
deemed different.
Body Paragraph 3:
Both novels provide insightful commentary on the consequences of inequality and its
influence on individual lives. Adichie and Ozeki go beyond mere social critique; they offer a
nuanced examination of the psychological toll that inequality takes on the marginalized. For
instance, Ifemelu's experiences of feeling out of place in various social settings depict the
emotional burden she carries. Similarly, Nao's encounters with bullying and isolation
highlight the devastating effects of societal prejudices on one's sense of self-worth. These
narratives expose the lies propagated by society, dismantling the illusion of equal
opportunities for all and emphasizing the lasting scars left by inequality.
Conclusion:
In "Americanah" and "A Tale for the Time Being," Adichie and Ozeki prove William Trevor's
assertion about fiction writers possessing a unique ability to detect lies in real life. By
exploring the theme of inequality, the authors unveil the harsh realities of societal divisions,
challenging the prevalent narratives whcih perpetuate injustice. Through the characters'
experiences, they expose the systemic barriers and prejudices which shape our world,
encouraging readers to question and confront the lies that uphold social hierarchies. In doing
so, these novels create a space for reflection and dialogue, inspiring readers to strive for a
more equitable and inclusive society.