Every Day Is For The Thief Analysis

The novels Every Day is for the Thief by Teju Cole, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, and Ghana Must Go by Taiye Selasi all exemplify the tumultuous nature of choosing to return to Africa or not. This idea is further expounded upon by its relationship with privilege as an influence on the decision. The problematic essence of this decision lies within the relationship it has to privilege. In all three novels, the protagonists only ever want to return home once they have been successful abroad. However, by returning home, there is a possibility that they will lose their newfound status and wealth to Africa. In Every Day is for the Thief, the protagonist struggles with the decision of whether to return home to Lagos or not. In the last
The paragraph reflects his recurring internal conflict over whether to stay in Lagos or not. The decision is often echoed by his interactions with other characters. One such instance is when he is speaking with his childhood friend Rotimi. Rotimi reminds the protagonist just how fortunate he is to be able to live and study in America as that is everyone’s dream. However, this isn’t so much because Nigerians want to get away from Nigeria. Instead, it becomes more about not being able to succeed in Nigeria. Rotimi even makes the case that it doesn’t matter where one goes, as long as they get out. Another facet of the decision on whether to return to Lagos or not is how privilege ties into the argument. With the protagonist in this novel, he isn’t extremely successful. He’s still studying to become a psychiatrist. So, assuming there is a correlation between becoming successful and privileged while abroad and a higher likelihood of returning home, this protagonist is less likely to return to Lagos and stay. This could be because the narrator feels as he needs to be more accomplished and able to afford life in Lagos, with corruption payments and all. Although, the discussion on privilege isn’t as prevalent in this novel as it is in the other