Checking Out

The motif of food recurs throughout “Checking Out,” representing the complexities of social connection and cultural differences. As a child, Obinze’s longing to move to America was embodied in a drink. From his viewpoint, America was a land of plenty, “where bottles of Fanta could be had without permission” (Paragraph 40). However, his eagerness to experience Western culinary standards shifts once he enters the United Kingdom. The “bottles of beer” and “small plate of fried chin-chin” Iloba provides make Obinze homesick (Paragraph 60). In this way, Obinze’s connection to fellow Africans and his cultural heritage is framed by meals as a ritual for connection and community. Food becomes a symbol of home, family, and a sense of belonging.

Obinze experiences a British version of hospitality when his coworkers surprise him with Coke and muffins, believing it is his birthday. Although the gesture does not possess the same evocations of home, Obinze is moved, recognizing their hospitality as an expression of acceptance. The recurrence of this motif in the story underlines the role food and drink play in constructing and negotiating cultural identity.