Individuals pursue actions in life to achieve a sense of purpose and fulfilment. While reading Americanah, I frequently noticed that Obinze desire to want more, translating to greed and eventually his demise. Despite having endless material possessions, Obinze was never happy, seeking him to go abroad and effectively start from scratch.
Early on in the novel, Obinze reflects on his wealth. He discusses how he “began to feel bloated” with “all that he had acquired” (Adichie 26). Rather than appreciate the various houses, cars, and bank accounts afforded to him by his success in real estate, Obinze is sick of the elaborate lifestyle he maintains as a result of his connections. Additionally, despite being married, Obinze often found himself fantasizing about Ifemelu. He would sit and re-read their emails, reflecting on the nicknames she had for him (Adichie 23). Despite having an attractive wife who supports him socially and professionally, Obinze finds himself wanting the unattainable - in this case, his past lover who now lives across the world. His envy towards the unattainable in the start of the novel is only amplified as the story progresses.
About halfway through the novel, Obinze finally reaches his goal of making his way to a country outside of Nigeria with the hopes of setting up a successful business there. He abandons his lavish, comfortable lifestyle in Nigeria as a result of his false idealistic reality - that life will always be better in the US or UK, rather than in Africa. Yet once he is in London, he has to constantly remind himself that he “doesn’t even know how fortunate [he] is” (Adichie 281). Despite feeling fortunate, his first job was “cleaning toilets, wearing rubber gloves, and carrying a pail” (Adichie 292). Because of his constant desire to want more, Obinze has gone from being chauffeured in Range Rovers to cleaning toilets, yet he feels that this is what fortunate opportunities look like.
Towards the end of the Novel, Obinze loses his mother and speaks to Ifemelu about it. Obinze realizes that his mother described academic research as “A shallow muddy pond that [researchers] are all wallowing in” (Adichie 459). As he grieves, Obinze reflects on her words, realizing that he was “filled with sadness” throughout his life (Adichie 459). He acknowledges that his greed and desire to want more is what led to his emptiness.
As Obinze’s role in the novel comes to an end, he finds peace with himself. He acknowledges that there is no end to desires in life, and finding happiness is important. Instead of focusing on all the good that was in his life in Nigeria, he was constantly wanting more, which led to him starting over in London, fueling his sorrows.
I would argue that Obinze's decisions and journey through the novel did not lead to his demise, but instead a greater fulfilment. I think Obinze's character was one of the most dynamic characters in Americanah, and underwent a great transformation in his beliefs. At the beginning of Americanah, Adichie provides a look into Obinze and Kosi's flawed relationship writing, "...but he sometimes told her senseless lies such as this, because a part of him hoped she would as a question or challenge him, though he knew she would not, because all she wanted was to make sure the conditions of their life remained the same…" (Adichie, 27). Obinzie recognizes the flaws in his marriage and understands both he and Kosi are married just to maintain comfort. Toward the end of the novel, however, Obinze compares Kosi to a "well-watered houseplant." (Adichie, 566). Obinzie recognizes his unhappiness and understands that he needs a more fulfilling relationship opposed to a marriage with someone that acts like a pretty decoration in his life. Obinzie transitions from just maintaining a comfortable marriage to recognizing his longing for something greater which he believes he will find in a relationship with Ifemelu. Obinzie takes action and decides to divorce Kosi, but promises to be a present and reliable father to Buchi.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why it says my comment was published by "unknown." The first is my comment and the second is my attempt to post as my name. For some reason, I am unable to delete them.
ReplyDeleteI think this a fair point you brought up and it offered me a new insight to the novel and specifically Obinze's character. I would say that Obinze was very self aware - he would constantly note how he was unsatisfied with his life and longed for more. This feeling was something he could not control. For example, when he was sent back to Nigeria he realized he did not fit in with the people around him. "He was ashamed to be with them, among them. They did not have his shame and even this, too, he envied" (Adichie 347).
ReplyDeleteI do not think that Obinze was necessarily greedy; I think he holds himself to a high standard. Even when he finally had the money, the "perfect" wife, and a child, he knew it was not how he wanted to live his life. Obinze held his values close to himself and recognized when he strayed away from them. He was constantly disappointed with his life and choices and realizes he was happy with Ifemelu. That is his turning point when he decides to divorce Kosi and pursue a more fulfilling life. I think Obinze is jealous of people who, in his eyes, "settle." He may have constant desires, but it is a valid desire for a happier life.