A Private Experience

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2009

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie briefly mentions protests against General Sani Abacha, setting this story during his regime (1993-1998). Research the 1993 coup d’état, led by Abacha, and discuss how this political context informs the story.

This story takes place in Kano, Nigeria, the second largest city in the country. Research Kano and discuss how this particular setting informs the story. Why does Chika view Kano so differently than Lagos?

“A Private Experience” begins in medias res. How would the story change if it were written chronologically?