In The Shivering, Chimamanda Adichie delves into the lives of Ukamaka and Chinedu, two Nigerians living in Princeton, USA. The story revolves around their encounters, discussions, and shared experiences as they grapple with their individual struggles, including their relationships and personal challenges.
‘The Shivering‘ is one of the stories in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s collection titled The Thing Around Your Neck, published in 2009. The aforementioned anthology is a powerful collection of short stories that portray the diverse experiences of Nigerian immigrants and diaspora, exploring themes of cultural identity, displacement, love, loss, and the complexities of human emotions.
The Shivering | Summary
Ukamaka, a Nigerian woman living in Princeton, is deeply affected by the news of a plane crash and the death of the Nigerian first lady. She spends the day on the Internet, trying to gather information and contacting her family and friends in Nigeria. In her anxious state, she receives a surprising and loud knock on her door. A vaguely familiar Nigerian man enters her apartment uninvited and explains that he wants to pray about the situation in Nigeria. Ukamaka, feeling uneasy but not knowing how to refuse, allows him to pray with her. The man’s Pentecostal-style prayer makes Ukamaka uncomfortable, but she doesn’t interrupt him. She disagrees with the emphasis on battling demons and binding evil spirits. However, she refrains from expressing her opinion to avoid sounding sanctimonious.
As he continues praying, Ukamaka feels increasingly uncomfortable, realizing she needs to use the bathroom but doesn’t want to disrupt the prayer. During the prayer, the man repeatedly clasps her hands tightly, making her feel uneasy. When he finally pauses, she hastily says ‘Amen,’ thinking it’s over, but he continues praying, and she closes her eyes again to endure the prayer politely.
After the prayer, Ukamaka briefly retreats to the bathroom, and when she returns, Chinedu continues talking about the news. They bond over their shared concern for their homeland, Nigeria. Chinedu talks about the tragedies and expresses his frustration with the government’s actions. Ukamaka is hesitant to ask him to leave, but she also wishes to find news about her ex-boyfriend, Udenna, who might have been on the crashed flight. Chinedu shares that a friend of his who might have been on the flight is safe. Ukamaka reveals that Udenna might have been on the plane, but she hasn’t heard from him. As they discuss their worries, the phone rings, and Ukamaka is afraid to answer. Chinedu offers reassurance, reminding her that God is faithful. Ukamaka answers the call and learns that it is her mother on the line, who informs her that her ex-boyfriend, Udenna, is safe. He missed the flight and was not on the crashed plane. Overwhelmed with relief, she breaks down in tears, and Chinedu, the Nigerian man who came to pray with her earlier, comforts her. They share a connection over their concern for Nigeria and the tragic events.
As they talk further, Ukamaka questions the idea that God selectively protects certain individuals while allowing others to suffer. Chinedu responds that God’s ways are beyond human comprehension, but Ukamaka finds this reasoning unsatisfactory. She recalls discussing similar issues with Father Patrick, a priest she met after her breakup with Udenna. Chinedu insists that human reasoning cannot be applied to God’s actions. While sharing lunch, Ukamaka tells Chinedu about her relationship with Udenna and how they met in the United States. She reveals that Udenna resembles Thomas Sankara, a former president of Burkina Faso, whom she admired in her youth. Chinedu recalls seeing them together once before, but he was unable to introduce himself at the time. In the days that follow, Ukamaka finds solace in Chinedu’s presence and confides in him about her past relationship with Udenna. She shares how Udenna had been critical of her and always sought to be different, making her feel inadequate. Despite their breakup, she realizes that she is still deeply affected by him.
Chinedu listens attentively to her, and Ukamaka appreciates his understanding and supportive nature. She begins to open up to him, discussing things she couldn’t or didn’t want to share with Father Patrick. Although she briefly entertains the idea of starting a rebound affair with Chinedu, she realizes that he has a comforting and platonic presence, making her feel at ease without the need to impress or hide her vulnerabilities. As the days pass, Ukamaka looks forward to Chinedu’s visits, offering him food and sharing her thoughts and feelings about Udenna. Their friendship provides her with a sense of comfort and understanding during this emotionally challenging time. As the days pass, Ukamaka and Chinedu continue to spend time together, running errands and going to church on Sundays. Ukamaka drives Chinedu to his Pentecostal church before attending her Catholic service. They also do grocery shopping together, and she notices that Chinedu carefully watches for sales and is frugal with his purchases.
One Sunday, Ukamaka suggests getting a sandwich or Chinese food, but Chinedu declines, revealing that he is fasting. He agrees to accompany her while she eats, and she asks about the reason for his fast. Chinedu tells her that it’s too personal to discuss. As they drive, Chinedu mentions how fall reminds him of harmattan, a dry and dusty season in Nigeria. Ukamaka shares that she loves harmattan, particularly because it reminds her of Christmas. She recalls a past Christmas with Udenna in Nigeria, and how her family had teased him about bringing their family to visit them. Their interactions continue to grow more comfortable, and they find joy in each other’s company. Chinedu’s presence provides Ukamaka with a sense of companionship and understanding during this challenging time in her life.
During a conversation, Chinedu reveals that he once had a difficult relationship with a man named Abidemi. Abidemi was possessive and manipulative, eventually getting married to someone else despite being involved with Chinedu. Chinedu reflects on the toxic aspects of the relationship and how it affected him emotionally. During a conversation, Ukamaka makes comparisons between Abidemi and Udenna, which triggers a strong reaction from Chinedu. He becomes defensive and accuses Ukamaka of attributing everything to Udenna without considering her role in the relationship. The heated exchange leads to an argument, and Chinedu leaves Ukamaka’s apartment. Ukamaka discovers some troubling truths about Chinedu. He reveals that he is in the United States on an expired visa and is at risk of deportation. Chinedu has been living in an apartment that belongs to a friend who is currently away. He is also struggling financially and emotionally, trying to hide his situation from his family back home. Despite their recent argument, Ukamaka reaches out to Chinedu and offers her support. They attend church together, and Ukamaka tries to comfort Chinedu by assuring him that they will find a way to help him with his immigration situation. They share a moment of laughter and camaraderie, finding solace in each other’s company.
The Shivering | Analysis
Wassima Djerad and Ichrak Benaista have put forward the idea that issues of identity and immigration are central to understanding the short story ‘The Shivering’. The two central characters still keep up with events in their home country of Nigeria despite living in America, where they did so since it is a safer town than Nigeria. Due to the unfavorable circumstances in Nigeria, Chinedu and Umamaka fled to America. They begin adjusting to the new way of life in America. The cultural dominance of one nation over another, as well as the effects of colonialism on Nigerians, are all depicted in Adichies’ short stories. They also cast a critical eye on the connections between Nigeria and the West. Popular culture has promoted the idea of the ‘American Dream’ through media like television, movies, and the internet. People consequently create the notion that life will be simpler and more prosperous in a western nation. Such high expectations are almost never satisfied, and for the migrants, a new set of issues frequently arise. However, as frequent references in the story indicate, the situation is so dire back in NIgeria, that people continue to live as immigrants, even at great costs and threats like illegal immigrant status.
Eheji Femi Eromosele also argued that Adichie’s writing is significant because of its uncommon subject matter, which includes characters who openly identify as gay or as having LGBT tendencies. This is unusual in African literature, especially in those found south of the Sahara. It appears that the author’s intention in this text is to show the commonality and normalcy of LGBT people. We see in the figure of Chinedu that it is possible for gays to be just as devout as heterosexual people and to have even greater confidence in God. There is a deliberate effort to divorce sexuality from religion as a result. In passing, he mentions the gay bar where he and his boyfriend, Abidemi, shook hands with a past president. The fact that he and his lover, Abidemi, shook hands with a past president at a gay club is also brought up in passing, drawing attention to the reality that some very prominent members of society are gay even though they may not admit it in public.
According to Daria Tunka, religion is also an important feature in the text, as Adichie frequently interweaves her personal experiences into her character’s arcs. The story presents a diverse range of approaches to faith and spirituality. Ukamaka’s Catholic background and Chinedu’s Pentecostal beliefs represent different religious traditions and practices. Both Ukamaka and Chinedu grapple with doubts and uncertainties related to their faiths. Ukamaka’s shivering during prayer and Chinedu’s struggle with the concept of God as a puzzle demonstrate their questioning nature. Despite their doubts, faith also serves as a source of comfort and support for the characters. For Ukamaka, attending Mass and seeking guidance from Father Patrick provides a sense of community and emotional solace. For Chinedu, his Pentecostal beliefs offer him strength and purpose during difficult times, such as his uncertain immigration status. Chinedu leads an intense prayer session that makes Ukamaka feel ‘awkward’ but also causes her to shiver, leading her to wonder whether God might be there. She begins to question whether God might be there. The entire narrative, which relentlessly explores the essence of the supernatural and how religion satisfies people’s demand for a metaphysical explanation, is set in motion by this episode.
The Shivering | Themes
In ‘The Shivering,’ the theme of friendship and support plays a significant role in the development of the narrative and the characters’ emotional journeys. The friendship between Ukamaka and Chinedu is a central aspect of the story, and it evolves into a source of comfort and understanding for both characters. Despite their initial differences and Ukamaka’s hesitancy to engage with Chinedu, they gradually form a deep emotional bond. Chinedu’s willingness to listen and empathize with Ukamaka’s struggles without judgment is a crucial aspect of their friendship.
Both Ukamaka and Chinedu grapple with societal expectations and cultural norms. Ukamaka faces pressure from her Nigerian background to conform to traditional roles and expectations in relationships. Chinedu, on the other hand, struggles with his immigration status and the challenges of living in a foreign country. Through their friendship, they gain the courage to embrace their individuality and make choices that align with their personal beliefs and values. Chinedu’s acceptance of his own identity as a gay man is an essential part of his emotional growth. He shares his past experiences with Abidemi, expressing his vulnerability and acceptance of his sexuality. Ukamaka’s non-judgmental support provides him with a safe space to share his story, which contributes to his growth and acceptance of himself.
The theme of love is intricately woven throughout.’ The story delves into the intricacies of love and the multifaceted nature of romantic relationships. Ukamaka’s past relationship with Udenna serves as an example of a complicated love, marked by possessiveness and a lack of mutual understanding. Chinedu’s past relationship with Abidemi also showcases the complexities of love, as it involves a secret affair that eventually leads to heartbreak.
The story also touches on the influence of cultural expectations in shaping romantic relationships. Ukamaka’s Nigerian background adds a layer of complexity to her relationship with Udenna, as she grapples with societal pressures and norms regarding marriage and gender roles. Additionally, the friendship between Ukamaka and Chinedu is portrayed as a form of love, albeit a platonic one. Their bond and support for each other illustrate that love can exist in various relationships beyond romantic ones.
The Shivering | Title
The significance of the title ‘The Shivering’ in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story lies in its metaphorical representation of the protagonist’s emotional state and the complexities of her feelings. The shivering serves as a recurring motif throughout the narrative, reflecting the internal turmoil and uncertainty experienced by the main character, Ukamaka. It encapsulates the central themes of emotional vulnerability, spiritual seeking, and cultural displacement woven throughout the story. It serves as a potent symbol of the protagonist’s inner turmoil and growth as she grapples with love, faith, and self-identity in a complex and changing world.
The Shivering | Character Sketch
Ukamaka: Ukamaka is the protagonist of the story, a Nigerian woman studying at Princeton University. She is depicted as intelligent, introspective, and emotionally complex. Throughout the narrative, Ukamaka struggles with her past relationship with Udenna, a man who is possessive and controlling. Despite the difficulties she faced in that relationship, she remains emotionally attached to Udenna, seeking closure and understanding. She is also shown to be a compassionate and empathetic friend, supporting Chinedu through his struggles with immigration issues.
Chinedu: Chinedu is another Nigerian living in the same apartment building as Ukamaka. He is depicted as introverted, reserved, and deeply religious. Chinedu’s character is defined by his unwavering faith, which provides him with strength and guidance in difficult situations. He is portrayed as having a strong moral compass and a straightforward approach to life. Despite his initial reserve, Chinedu becomes a supportive and caring friend to Ukamaka, offering her a listening ear and understanding as she shares her experiences and emotions.
The Shivering | Literary Devices
The title ‘The Shivering’ holds symbolic significance that reflects the emotional and psychological state of the protagonist, Ukamaka. The word ‘shivering’ typically refers to a physical reaction to cold or fear, where the body trembles involuntarily. However, in this context, the title carries a deeper symbolic meaning related to Ukamaka’s inner turmoil and emotional vulnerability. Her emotions are unsettled, and she is grappling with feelings of grief, confusion, and vulnerability after the breakup with her former lover, Udenna. The story also delves into Ukamaka’s spiritual journey and her questioning of faith and religious practices. The shivering can symbolize her uncertainty about her beliefs and her search for deeper spiritual meaning and understanding. The shivering can also represent the uncertainty and fear that comes with living in a foreign land, where one’s status and future are in question. It symbolizes the precariousness of his situation and the emotional toll it takes on him.
Adichie skillfully employs imagery throughout the story, helping to paint a rich and immersive picture of the characters’ lives and surroundings.
‘The smell of burning meat wafted into her room.’
‘His forehead and face were ashen and veined.’
‘The church was dim, full of echoes and mysteries and the faint scent of candles.’
‘Outside the gray stone church, Father Patrick was greeting people, his hair a gleaming silver in the late morning light.’
‘Chinedu laughed, and the lighted sign for Rite Aid pharmacy, behind him, seemed to pulse with laughter.’
Adichie uses flashbacks to provide insights into the characters’ pasts and to deepen our understanding of their emotions and motivations. The story uses these flashbacks strategically to add layers to the narrative and to offer glimpses into significant moments in the characters’ lives. The story begins with a flashback to the time when Udenna said, ‘You shivered when you prayed,’ and how Ukamaka had brushed off the comment. Additionally, throughout the story, Ukamaka reminisces about her relationship with Udenna and how he behaved towards her. These flashbacks provide insights into the dynamics of their relationship, Udenna’s manipulative behavior, and the emotional impact it had on Ukamaka. Chinedu also shares a flashback about his previous relationship with Abidemi, a man who ultimately got married to someone else.
At another point, Ukamaka recalls her past as a devout churchgoer and how her faith gradually waned over time. This flashback helps the reader understand her feelings of disillusionment with religion and her search for meaning and purpose. Throughout the story, both Ukamaka and Chinedu share nostalgic flashbacks about their home country, Nigeria.
