The Scarf - TTAYN

As I begin to read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, I have noticed a highlight on the cultural differences between characters. In the chapter titled, “A Private Experience” Chika finds herself in close quarters with a “northerner” with a “strong Hausa accent” (44). Although the accent helps clue Chika into the woman’s identity, the scarf that she is wearing becomes an interesting symbol. The scarf represents the barrier between the two women. For example, their difference in religious beliefs and the language and accent obstacle are very apparent to both women. Later in the chapter, when the woman removes her scarf, the barrier of Chika's individual beliefs fades away. As soon as the scarf comes off, Chika’s mind is opened and she observes another culture practicing religion much more passionately then Chika probably ever had. As Chika witnesses the woman's spiritual experience, Adiche writes, “[Chika] wishes that she could leave the store. Or that she, too, could pray, could believe in a god, see an omniscient presence in the stale air of the store” (52). Although the physical closeness of the two women primarily sets the stage for Chika’s observation of the woman’s intimate praying experience, the scarf marked her identity and caused Chika to feel some distance between herself and the other woman.