Checking Out

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2013

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Summary

Background

Story Analysis

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

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Discussion Questions

Character Analysis

Obinze

Obinze, the protagonist of “Checking Out,” is a complex and multidimensional character whose experiences reﬂect the broader themes explored in the story. In analyzing Obinze, it is essential to consider his personal journey, his relationships, and his cultural context.

Obinze’s experiences as an immigrant form a central aspect of his character. After being denied a visa to the United States, he travels to the United Kingdom and faces the challenges of living as an undocumented immigrant. Adichie’s own experiences as an international student and immigrant likely inﬂuenced her portrayal of Obinze’s struggles and sense of displacement. This lends authenticity to his character and enables Adichie to delve into the emotional turmoil and cultural conﬂicts he encounters.

Furthermore, Obinze’s character represents broader themes of identity and belonging. As an educated man, he grapples with the dissonance between his cultural roots and the Western ideals he encounters in the UK. This internal conﬂict reﬂects the struggles faced by many individuals in the diaspora, torn between preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into a new society. Obinze’s character exempliﬁes the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities.

Additionally, Obinze’s character is inﬂuenced by his socioeconomic background. Despite his privileged upbringing in Nigeria, he faces the harsh realities of being an undocumented immigrant in the UK, working menial jobs. This juxtaposition highlights the systemic inequalities and challenges faced by immigrants, regardless of their previous social standing. Adichie’s portrayal of Obinze allows readers to empathize with the struggles faced by immigrants and explore broader themes of identity, belonging, and social inequality. Through Obinze’s journey, Adichie sheds light on the complexities of immigration and invites readers to critically examine the societal structures that shape individual experiences.

Cleotilde

Obinze’s interactions with Cleotilde are a positive force amid his overwhelming negative experiences in the UK. While the couple agrees to a “sham marriage,” their mutual attraction suggests the possibility of future happiness together. Cleotilde’s perception of Africa serves as a contrast to that of Obinze. While he idealizes the Western lifestyle, when Cleotilde talks about Africa, she “load[s] the word with exotic excitement” (Paragraph 24). Having never visited Angola, she invests the country with the mystery of her cultural heritage and her father who left when she was just three.

Cleotilde’s character presents a contrast between the traditional expectations placed on women and their desires and aspirations. She deﬁes societal expectations by pursuing her goal to study fashion and act as a provider for her family. Although she is attracted to Obinze, she initially agrees to the marriage to further these goals. Her actions challenge the notion of marriage as a patriarchal institution. Obinze’s deportation abruptly terminates his budding relationship with Cleotilde.

Immigration Officer

The immigration officer is a significant character in “Checking Out.” Though nameless, his role is essential in highlighting the challenges of the immigrant experience. He embodies the bureaucratic and often dehumanizing nature of the immigration process. The immigration officer’s unsympathetic actions and attitudes demonstrate the arbitrary exercise of power and the lack of empathy toward individuals like Obinze. His indifference to Obinze’s circumstances highlights the harsh realities faced by many immigrants.

Additionally, the immigration officer represents the wider societal attitudes and prejudices toward migrants. His behavior suggests a lack of understanding, empathy, and appreciation of the reasons individuals may have for seeking to leave their home country. Adichie uses this character to challenge the narrative around immigration and raise awareness about the human stories and struggles behind the bureaucratic immigration processes.