AN OVERVIEW OF LABOUR AND GENDER EXPLOITATION IN CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S AMERICANAH THROUGH AMARXISTFEMINIST LENS

Abstract

This study aims to analyze labour and gender exploitation through a Marxist feminist lens in the novel Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, which examines labour exploitation and gender. In the novel, Americanah, the young female protagonist is unexpectedly thrown into a life of marginalisation when she migrates from Nigeria to the American East coast. Having grown up in Nigeria her skin colour has neither been an issue nor of consideration to her, but it soon becomes apparent that elsewhere her complexion evokes expectations and functions as a breeding ground for prejudice. Americanah is a postcolonial novel that explores themes of race, gender, and identity in America, England, and Nigeria. The protagonist experiences prejudice and discovers what it means to be different from others. The paper discusses the remnants and effects of colonialism in past and present times, including how colonialism has subjugated the black migrants to untold exploitation. In doing this, A Marxist Feminist critique of Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie would examine how the novel portrays class struggles, ideological battles, and propaganda. It might also consider how the novel's themes of race, gender, and identity are connected to class exploitation. Marxist literary criticism examines how literature reflects class struggles and conditions, and how it can be used as a tool for propaganda.