Female supporting characters and patriarchy in Adichie’s imitation and the arrangers of marriage

Abstract

This study analyzes two short stories written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Imitation and The Arrangers of Marriage, in which women sustain patriarchal expectations in marriage through their closest relationships. The study aims to examine how female supporting characters normalized patriarchal expectations in marriage and how this normalization affects the way the protagonists understand and negotiate their positions in marriage. Using Bartky’s concept of internalized patriarchy and Kandiyoti’s patriarchal bargain, this research applies a descriptive qualitative approach, utilizing close reading to examine the dialogues, narration, and actions performed by characters within both narratives. The research results show that it is not only men’s authority that creates patriarchal expectations, but also the daily interaction among women. The research also shows that the protagonists actively negotiate their positions within the patriarchal system, rather than completely rejecting it. This study concludes by showing that women can also play a role in reproducing patriarchal expectations with other women.