Checking Out

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Download PDF

Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Beta

Discussion Questions

Background

Sociopolitical Context: Immigration and Identity in the UK

“Checking Out” addresses important social and political issues related to immigration and identity. Set in the context of the United Kingdom’s immigration system, the story sheds light on the experiences of undocumented immigrants and the challenges they face in an unfamiliar environment. It also explores colonialism’s impact on Africa and Adichie’s own disillusionment with Western culture (Tembo, Nick Mdika. “Ethnic Conﬂict and the Politics of Greed: Rethinking Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun.” Matatu, no. 40, 2012, p. 176).

Obinze’s struggle as an undocumented immigrant working under a false identity reﬂects the precarious situation faced by many immigrants who are forced to live in the shadows due to their immigration status. This also reﬂects the broader sociopolitical climate surrounding immigration in the UK, as Obinze falls victim to scams, negative stereotypes, and prejudices, as well as the hostile environment created by immigration policies and public discourse. The fear of being discovered and reported to the authorities is a constant source of anxiety for Obinze, as seen through his interactions with Vincent and the warehouse colleagues.

The story explores themes of identity and cultural assimilation as Obinze grapples with his dual identity and the compromises he must make to survive in a foreign land. The contrast between his Nigerian heritage and the English society he encounters is highlighted through his observations of the men at the warehouse, their conversations, and his experiences with Nigel and Roy.

Adichie uses the various aspects of Obinze’s struggle to reveal how undocumented immigrants are stripped of their identity and basic human rights. In this way, the story reﬂects literature’s capacity to “either ﬁght or reinforce prejudice, be it social, racial or cultural” (Tunca, Daria. “Appropriating Achebe: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus and ‘The Headstrong Historian.’” Adaptation and Cultural Appropriation: Literature, Film, and the Arts, edited by Pascal Nicklas and Oliver Lindner, De Gruyter, 2012, p. 230).

Authorial Context: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a renowned Nigerian author and speaker who has gained international acclaim for her literary works. Adichie’s writing explores themes of identity, gender, race, and cultural displacement, often drawing from her own experiences as a Nigerian woman living in different cultural contexts. Her unique perspective and literary prowess make her a signiﬁcant ﬁgure in contemporary literature.

Adichie’s signiﬁcance lies in her ability to capture the nuances of the African experience and present them to a global audience. Through her works, she challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about Africa, shedding light on the diverse narratives and complexities of its people. Adichie’s writing is known for its powerful storytelling, engaging prose, and vivid character portrayals, which resonate with readers and draw them into the worlds she creates.

In the story “Checking Out,” Adichie’s personal and professional experiences inform the narrative and contribute to its authenticity. As an immigrant herself, having spent time studying and living in the US and the UK, Adichie brings a ﬁrsthand understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants in foreign lands. This allows her to craft a story that delves deep into the emotions, struggles, and cultural clashes experienced by Obinze, the protagonist of the story.

Adichie’s academic background also lends credibility to her portrayal of Obinze’s experiences. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing from Johns Hopkins University and has received numerous prestigious writing awards. Her academic and literary achievements demonstrate her skill in crafting compelling narratives and her ability to sensitively explore complex social and political issues.