It was at a beach in Lagos. We had notseen each other since his father had transferred him to another secondaryschool. We were both self-consciously, unconvincingly mature. He said hewas trying to get into the University of Lagos. I said I was preparing to takemy final secondary school exams. He had not changed; the tall, thin body,the narrow face, and the hooked nose were all the same.“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked finally.“Yes,” I replied, although I did not.He had a girlfriend, too, he said, many girlfriends in fact. Before weparted, he added, “You can have as many boyfriends as you want to. Butwhen it comes to marriage, it’s me and nobody else. God made you for me.If we marry other people, thunder will strike us down.”
Element: Personal Reflection
Effect: This textual evidence, where the narrator reflects on the last time she saw Nnamdi, creates a strong sense of nostalgia and longing. It allowed me to connect with the narrator on an emotional level, reminiscent of her past relationships and missed opportunities. The narrator reminded me of how memories can both comfort and haunt us.
Evaluation: Adichie incorporates personal reflection throughout the essay, bringing it seamlessly into the narrative. The use of reflective moments like this one that helps the reader's understanding of the narrator's emotions and the enduring impact of the relationship with Nnamdi.
Personal Use: Reading this passage reminds me of the power of personal reflection in storytelling. It's a valuable tool for conveying emotions and connecting with readers. I will definitely consider incorporating more reflective elements in my future writing to create a deeper connection with my audience.