The Danger of a Single Story

In her fiction and nonfiction writing, Adichie explores themes of colonialism, race, class, and feminism. Her knowledge of both Nigerian and American culture, her academic study of African history, and her role as a storyteller give her a unique platform.

“The Danger of a Single Story” reflects on many of the themes that run throughout the body of Adichie’s work. Instead of expressing herself through a novel, Adichie shares some of her core beliefs in a concise and personal way. In the speech, Adichie also reflects on her purpose as a writer and storyteller. Adichie is an important figure in postcolonial literature, one of the many voices “speaking back” to Western literature’s single story. Adichie asserts the importance of Nigerian literature; she shares how other African writers have impacted her and how Nigerian readers have received her own novels.

Adichie’s TED Talk has been used in classrooms to spark discussion, and listeners have responded to her speech by re-examining the single stories they have believed about others. The speech’s effectiveness stems partly from Adichie’s use of humor and anecdotes to relate to her audience. She does not merely accuse other people of holding to single stories; she acknowledges specific times when she has accepted single stories about others.