Americanah Lesson Plan

How do Ifemelu's perceptions of Aisha shift?

Ifemelu has been annoyed with Aisha for most of the time Aisha has been doing her hair, struck by differences in both culture and personality. At the end, she sees Aisha's vulnerability and how Aisha’s circumstances, particularly relating to her immigration status, have impacted her behavior. Ifemelu feels a new sympathy for Aisha after hearing how she could not return home for her father’s funeral.

Have students discuss whether their impressions of Aisha have likewise shifted along with Ifemelu's.

Ifemelu believes that particular circumstances led to Dike’s suicide attempt; Aunty Uju believes it was caused by clinical...