Patriarchy In Purple Hibiscus
Purple Hibiscus is the first novel and Bildungsroman written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The story is set in Enugu, a city in post-colonial Nigeria during the civil war in 1960. The Nigerian households in the 1960s worked in a patrilineal manner where the father is the head of the household and he is obeyed. The wife and children have little say and the wife is only seen has the one who gives the man his children (Qualls, A). The main character and also the narrator, Kambili Achike explains what it is like living under the roof of her patriarchal Father, Eugene Achike. The issue of patriarchy will also be further elaborated on in this essay and how it affects the characters in the novel, not only in the given passage, but in the novel in general. …show more content…
He only allows Kambili and Jaja to visit him fifteen minutes at a time. Eugene brainwashes his children into thinking that Papa Nnukwu takes part in “devilish folklore” and that the Igbo tradition is “evil”. When Eugene sees the painting of Papa Nnukwu that Kambili kept, he beats Kambili until she is hospitalized, again using violence as discipline. Eugene is very set in his ways and follows the rules of Christianity religiously, that is why when he sees Kambili eating the morning her period starts he beats the whole family, not questioning why the rules were broken or considering that there could be a reason for it. Another example of Eugene’s patriarchal role is when he orders the children to pray for forgiveness when they stay with their Papa Nnukwu for longer than fifteen minutes. Eugene is not only the patriarch of his family, but also of the whole town. This essay is only a small part in the issue of patriarchy in the novel Purple Hibiscus. Eugene Achike does not only fulfil the role as patriarch in his family, but also in his church and in his town. His patriarchal force in a sense dictates Kambili’s identity and does not allow his children to develop as individuals. His strict rules can be seen as oppressive and has many consequences in the lives of the people around him before his
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1501 Words | 7 PagesKambili and Jaja come from a wealthy family, and their father is highly regarded in the society. From the outside, they appear to be a perfect family; however, they fall short of that expectation. The public is not aware that Papa, Eugene, is an abusive father. He believes if you don’t follow the Christian life-style, you should be punished for your sins. Kambili’s life begins to change once Christmas time arrives.
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Purple Hibiscus Symbolism Essay
1938 Words | 8 PagesThe blooming of sleepy, oval-shaped buds in front of the house is symbol of the readiness of Jaja to rebel against his father’s iron-fist authority. These changes show the experiences what he learns from his Aunty Ifeoma’s house. Other symbol include Eugene’s heavy missal, which throws at Jaja for not going to receive Holy Communion. Papa-Nnukwu’s shrine says Kambili that it looks the grotto at Saint Agnes church and mama’s figurines, which the missal breaks into pieces as it lands on the étagère. Ballet Figurines represents an important symbol in this novel Purple Hibiscus.
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1333 Words | 6 PagesIn her Purple Hibiscus, she does not like Papa- Eugene’s schedule life and Father Benedict’s restrictions upon African culture and Kambili’s school Sisters neglects Nigerian language like the readers of her novel. She creates awareneness of her nation identity and her patriotism and her culture and her views everything through her characters Papa-Nnukwu. Kambili much aware of her father’s position is a religious leader in her family. He praises
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1711 Words | 7 PagesPurple Hibiscus, written by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie, is a novel set in post-colonial Nigeria where the protagonist, 15-year-old Kambili struggles growing up torn between two contrasting beliefs; Igbo traditionalism and western Catholicism. Religion as many believe is the hope in a power greater than ones self. It is also a means of worship, moreover as means of people uniting together as one and believing in one God. Religion is a very important aspect and can certainly impact and influence a person’s mentality. Adichie uses two conflicting religions to show the development of Kambili’s character and maturity, as well as explore the tension that is forced unto the her throughout the novel.
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1473 Words | 6 PagesChimamanda Adichie’s Ideas on the Emancipation of the African Mind Published in 2003 Purple Hibiscus, written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is the story of a young girl named Kambili Achike who lives in Nigeria with her parents and brother. Kambili struggled with the oppressive nature of her fundamentalist father to eventually find her own voice and path in life. Her father is a essentially a “colonial product” (13) as he embodies post-colonial ideals and practices in post-colonial Nigeria. Adichie’s critique of postcolonial theory suggests that the independence of the African mind and tradition lies in the separation and flout from the colonial mindset. Adiche focuses on a lot of themes ranging from religion to the use of violence to
Theme Of Silence In Purple Hibiscus
992 Words | 4 PagesPurple Hibiscus is about understanding the ways in which she can use what she already has for her own strength. A defining moment for Jaja is when Papa goads him that, “‘you must eat with us this evening, do you hear me?” But Jaja did not come out of his room. The most significant part of this passage is the way Jaja ignores his father’s actively: choosing not just to refuse dinner with the family, but also provide no clear explanation for doing so. Papa now finds himself in silence.
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756 Words | 4 PagesPurple hibiscus reflects the theme of identity. In the home culture each female is exposed to a fixed identity, but when she moves outside her home life. She is able to develop her own values from the world views of his parents. Purple hibiscus is a coming of age story for the central characters Kambili. The novel is narrated by Kambili about her struggle to attain her self- identity.
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