where do you see pathos in americanah by adichie?
Pathos refers to the appeal to emotions or the evocation of feelings. In Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, there are several instances where pathos is evident. Here are a few examples:
1. When Ifemelu, the main character, recalls her experience of first arriving in the United States as an immigrant. The loneliness, confusion, and isolation she feels evoke feelings of sympathy and empathy from the reader.
2. The scenes where Ifemelu and Obinze, her love interest, are separated due to immigration issues. Their longing for each other and the pain of being apart triggers an emotional response from the readers.
3. Ifemelu's struggle with identity and race in American society is a constant source of pathos throughout the novel. The discrimination she faces and the toll it takes on her emotional well-being evoke a strong emotional response.
4. The depictions of Ifemelu's hair journey and the pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards provoke feelings of frustration and empathy among readers, particularly those who can relate to similar experiences.
5. The subplot involving Dike, Ifemelu's cousin, who struggles with depression and eventually attempts suicide, is a powerful example of pathos. The portrayal of his pain and the impact it has on his family elicit strong emotional reactions from readers.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more instances of pathos in Americanah, as the novel tackles a wide range of emotions and experiences.