Deconstructing the Theme of Unfaithfulness in Chimamanda Adichie’s Americanah and Ngugi WA Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat: Infidelity or Fidelity to Reality?

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This is a fresh perspective on the thematic concern in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah and the theme of unfaithfulness in Ngugi Wa Thiong’o’s A Grain of Wheat.

Methodology: The study seeks to unravel some of the hidden realities portrayed in the works using realism and deconstruction. Because of its commitment to the portrayal of the society exactly as it is; not as we’d love it to be, and because of its didactic inclinations, realism is regarded as a moralistic method in critical discourse. Deconstruction is an aspect of formalism. Through qualitative content analysis, the theme of unfaithfulness is ex-rayed from different viewpoints.

Findings and Conclusion: It is observed that the two writers were faithful to reality in the portrayal of the events and characters in their works. However, while providing motives for their characters’ actions; they inadvertently deconstruct the theme. It is concluded that unfaithfulness is a huge aspect of the character and relationships of human beings, especially when personal interests and distance set in.