Symbols of Status


Symbols are a way to convey an idea to further a deeper meaning within a book.  In The Thing Around Your Neck, Adichie uses various symbols to represent idea that possessions or items are a symbol of status or wealth.  This is evident in many of the stories.

In the first story, Cell One, Nnamabia steals his mother's jewelry by faking a break-in.  Living in a country during economic turmoil, valuables were limited and showed the status of a family.  Stealing showed popularity because in doing so, one can increase their status by taking from others.  In the same sense, Imitation, Nkem's items that her husband bring home from Africa to America.  The Benin Mask was originally used in royal ceremonies and to her neighbors, her status increased because she was one of the only houses to collect foreign and original art pieces.  Her wealth was through her husband as he owned two houses, one in Nigeria and the other in America.  This also increased her status especially since she was an immigrant from Africa.  Overall, there were many symbols to show status of characters.



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