Americanah Lesson Plan

Why does Ifemelu confess to Obinze's mother that they had sex, and why is Obinze so upset by the safe-sex speech his mother gives?

Ifemelu in some ways feels that Obinze's mother is more of a mother than her own; it's certainly easier for Ifemelu to trust in her sanity and reliability. Ifemelu also feels, perhaps because of her mother's view of religion, that her appendicitis is somehow divine vengeance for violating Obinze's mother's trust. Obinze, however, is a young man who wants his mother out of his business. Ask students if there are some topics that they feel more comfortable discussing with an adult who isn't their parents.

Do you agree with Ifemelu that Aunty...