Half of a Yellow Sun: Part 3, Chapter 22 Summary & Analysis

Ugwu gets diarrhea because he is so stressed about Odenigbo and Olanna’s relationship. Mama returns with Amala, and she gloats about her coming grandson. Finally Mama leaves, and Odenigbo makes her take Amala with her. Mama promises to return the next week and fetch her.

The next day Ugwu finds Amala in the garden, eating all the hot peppers. She is crying, and she says eating peppers can remove pregnancy. Ugwu doesn’t believe her, but he hopes it is true. He wonders why she went along with Mama’s plan if she doesn’t want the baby.

A few days later Olanna visits, and she gets angry when Odenigbo again tries to put all the blame on his mother. Ugwu is so anxious about their argument that he gets sick again, and when he returns from the bathroom Olanna is in the yard. Ugwu tells her that Mama used “bad medicine” on Odenigbo, and he tells her about the flies and Mama rubbing something on Amala’s back. Olanna says “rubbish,” but then she goes back into the house.

Ugwu goes inside and eavesdrops. He hears shouting, but then he hears Odenigbo and Olanna having sex. Afterwards Olanna leaves. Ugwu asks Odenigbo if she will return soon, but Odenigbo doesn’t answer.