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“Adichie’s portrayal of love and marriage in her novel, Americanah, is entirely negative.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Support your response with reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question D (i) - 2018
Question D (i)
“Adichie’s portrayal of love and marriage in her novel, Americanah, is entirely negative.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Support ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:“Adichie’s portrayal of love and marriage in her novel, Americanah, is entirely negative.” To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above statement? Support your response with reference to the text. - Leaving Cert English - Question D (i) - 2018
Step 1
Adichie’s portrayal of love and marriage is entirely negative
Answer
In assessing the statement that Adichie's portrayal of love and marriage is entirely negative, it is essential to analyze various examples from the text. While the novel does present challenges surrounding love and marriage, such as the impact of infidelity and societal pressures, it also showcases enduring love. For instance, the relationship between Ifemelu and Curt demonstrates moments of vulnerability and understanding, countering the notion of a wholly negative representation.
Step 2
Agreeing or disagreeing with the statement
Answer
I partially agree with the statement. Adichie's portrayal is complex and reflects both negative and positive aspects of love and marriage. The negative experiences, such as heartbreak and societal expectations, illustrate the struggles of the characters, but these are juxtaposed with themes of resilience and hope. This duality suggests that while there are negative portrayals, they are not wholly representative of love and marriage in 'Americanah.'
Step 3
Supporting your response with evidence from the text
Answer
For example, characters like Ifemelu experience hardship due to cultural expectations, yet their journeys embody growth and self-discovery. Ifemelu’s eventual return to Nigeria symbolizes a reconciliation with her past and an appreciation for authentic love, countering the entirely negative assertion. Additionally, the novel's exploration of love in various cultural contexts reflects its multifaceted nature.