Purple Hibiscus – Written Task
Write the text of an interview with the author of Purple Hibiscus in which she discusses her representation of Nigerian culture through the character of Father Eugene and Papa Nnukwu.
The purpose of this written task is to analyse how Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche uses the character of Eugene Achike to depict the Western culture, imported alongside colonialism, and that apparently is in antagonism with the Igboo one, whose exponent is another character, Papa Nnukwu. I aimed to show that they are rather used as symbols in the text, representing the very essence of the assigned culture. Moreover, I wanted to show that they can only make sense if presented together, proving in a larger sense that although the Igboo culture and the Western one are apparently rejecting each other, they are complementary. Furthermore, I explained why Kambili, who is the voice of the text, is the best choice in terms of perspective, as the audience of the book could easily identify themselves with her.
Lastly, I wanted to show that although the personal background of the author is not the same with her characters’, each one has elements of her identity, sending through this novel a subtle call to reconciliation between the two worlds that form the Nigerian society, the traditional and the surrogate one.
WORD COUNT: 185
Write the text of an interview with the author of Purple Hibiscus in which she discusses her representation of Nigerian culture through the
What can we do about the increasing gun violence in Memphis? I say ban all guns, because in recent years gun violence has escalated and has become an epidemic not only in our communities, but all over the world. Something must be done to decrease the number of deaths and injuries that occurs from gun violence. For many years now Memphis, TN, the city where I go to school has been nationally known as a city that is plagued by violence ranking second to Washington D.C. when it comes to violent crimes committed by guns. Studies released by the FBI ranked Memphis as one of the top three most dangerous cities in America. This year according to statistics, Memphis ranked second to Detroit and has some of the most dangerous neighborhoods to live
Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible portrays the historical events of the Salem Witch trials. Insanity and fear drive these Puritans to reveal their true colors while facing their accusers in the prejudice courts. Of all the madness in Salem, two women stand out above the rest. Although they both create suspense and tension in the play the difference between the two is also evident. Hatred and revenge live in the heart of the teenage adulteress Abigail Williams while truth and kindness resides in the soul of Elizabeth Proctor faithful wife of John Proctor.
The third reason Nwoye’s sense of identity was challenged with the introduction of Western ideas was because Through his journey, Nwoye shows how one can overcome struggles and come out ahead when confronted with change. The evidence is shown when It tells us “As soon as he had learned of Okonkwo's return five months earlier, the missionary had immediately paid him a visit. He had just sent Okonkwo's son, Nwoye, who was now called Isaac, to the new training college for teachers in Umuru.”(134) This evidence supports my claim because It tells us how Nwoye’s live has gotten better after he left.
This novel is the definitive tragic model about the dissolution of the African Ibo culture by Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe. Okonkwo, a great and heroic leader, is doomed by his inflexibility and hubris. He is driven by fear of failure.
Who are you? Who am I? These are some of the questions we ask each other when identifying culture. In the novel, Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Okonkwo, the main protagonist faces many difficult changes in his ibo culture. Okonkwo is perceived as a strong, strict man who never likes to show emotion because he fears that it might make him seem weak. Throughout, the book it shows Okonkwo facing his fears and developing as a character. The cultural collision challenges Okonkwo’s identity, as a person because it identifies his persona and his beliefs, whereas if someone takes that from him, he fears his obligation in life will fall short once the white men take everything he worked hard to built.
The novel Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is a story of a young girl , who tries to find her own voice and speak out against her violent oppressive father. The novel is set in post-post-colonial Nigeria, in a time in which the government was run by a military dictatorship. There are a number of symbols used to help develop ideas in the text; the three most important ones being purple and red hibiscuses and Mama’s figurines. The red hibiscuses are symbolic of the violence in Kambili’s life while the purple hibiscuses symbolise freedom, defiance and the freedom to speak out. The figurines are symbolic of Mama’s quiet character and of the violence in her home. These symbols are there to show the
The world is full of cultural collisions. Every day people meet other with different worldviews. This concept of cultural collision, is shown perfectly though Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. In the story it is the cultural collision, of the introduction of Western Ideas into the ibo society, that causes Achebe’s characters to grow and change. One character in particular is forced to reevaluate his sense of identity because of the cultural collision. This is the character of Okonkwo. The collision challenges Okonkwo’s sense of self, as a religious leader or an Egwugwu, as a leader of his people, and as a man. It is Okonkwo’s response to these challenges, that shapes the meaning of the book of that as your world changes so must you or you
In order to get to know my interviewee, E. E., it is important to learn about her distinct heritage. She has such an interesting story that even prior to this interview, I found myself eager to learn more about her and her life in Nigeria. While researching about the Nigerian culture, I gathered information related to traditional language, religion, diet, values, gender roles, and health practices. In doing so, I was able to get a glimpse of what it might be like to live in Nigeria and ultimately, I gained insight to the culture that made E. E. the inspiring person she is today.
Purple Hibiscus takes place in Enugu, a city of political conflict in post Colonial Nigeria. The story is narrated by the protagonist Kambili Achike, a teenager and lives with her elder brother Jaja, who excels in academics like his sister but is withdrawn and sullen. Kambili’s father papa is a delightful but a harsh authoritarian whose faithfulness to
A person that had a significant influence to me is my really good friend by the name of Joseph Paulus. Joseph is a very influential person to me throughout my high school year till the end of my junior year. Being two years older, and is a grade above me, he is someone I would I would preferably look up to. Without Joseph, I wouldn’t be able to speak up, free spirited, think for myself, or to still be here today without his guidance. Joseph to me, is someone who acts like a big brother, someone who cares for everyone he knows. I love Joseph a lot, remembering how we first met on the first day of practice for track and field. He was a gentle, sociable, giant that approach me, and afterward he is someone I strongly admire than anyone else at
Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus is a story set in Nigeria told from the perspective of Kambili and her journey towards independence; along the way, she looks to the female role models in her life, each which aid her path to liberation. Mama and Aunty Ifeoma are two vital female characters to the development of the story but with stark contrasts; Mama’s submissive and reserved demeanor provides a perfect foil to Aunty’s outgoing and independent personality. They both influence Adichie’s bildungsroman, but how they aid Kambili’s endeavor is strikingly different. Mama and Aunty Ifeoma represent the female figures in Kambili’s life; Mama shows Kambili to submit to the men in her life, while Aunty Ifeoma opens up the idea of being independent and free thinking. Mama stresses submission and dependency as a sacrifice to tradition while Aunty Ifeoma emphasizes independent thought to embrace oneself and progress over all others. The way that these two women uphold themselves throughout the novel, demonstrates how these patriarchal societies, like the one in Nigeria, restrict women like Mama, while women like Aunty are deemed rebellious to society.
Religion is a very prominent theme in the “Purple Hibiscus”. The author, Adichie, uses a variety of characters to explore different ways of expressing one’s faith. She explores the ways in which three very different characters express their religion of the Catholic faith, as well as looking into the traditional Nigerian beliefs of Papa Nnukwu. By illustrating some very contrasting religious beliefs and methods of religious expression in her characters, she encourages readers to consider their own views on religion and helps them understand some valuable lessons on the subject.
Nigeria, a barren wasteland, now an uprising land of civilization enters an era of ferocity, dominance, depravity. From the ashes of Nigeria, emerges Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the author of Purple Hibiscus. She intertwines Purple Hibiscus with her personal memories; she wrote her tale based on her experience-religion, history, and politics. Purple Hibiscus is a novel expressing the complexity of the human nature. From tragedies to happiness, life is a pendulum of occasions. Life consists of abrupt changes; these changes are caused by external factors such as government. However, when a government is corrupt, two primary courses are presented: to submit or rebel. The corruption within government vastly expands towards major concepts-politics, economy, religion-that influences people’s lives. Therefore, Adichie exposes the detrimental transformation of a tyrannical government through her portrayal of the economic, religious, and political strife throughout Nigeria.
Nwoye’s betrayal in the novel is the same level of betrayal that Achebe is condemned with in his lifetime. African literary theorists who vie for the purity of African literature for African languages defy Achebe as a European traitor, writing his stories with his back turned to his native homeland. Yet this thesis argues for a reevaluation of that criticism. Achebe does not in fact deny his beliefs, his country, or his heritage. He rather aligns himself in a tragically ironic way with the hero of Things Fall Apart. Achebe writes his own struggle with colonialism into the life and death of Okonkwo. It is interesting to note that Achebe’s father was in many ways very similar to Nwoye. His father, Isaiah Achebe, was orphaned early in life and spent most of his childhood with his uncle, Udoh. Udoh was a man of the land; he prided himself on tradition and leadership. Chinua writes in his essay, “My Dad and Me,” that the differences between Isaiah and Udoh were seen early through the eyes of Chinua, a questioning child who was placed in the middle
This paper reflects the novel “Things Fall Apart” written by Chinua Achebe in 1958. Achebe gives an overview of pre-colonialism and post-colonialism on Igbo, detailing how local traditions and cultural practices can “fall apart” in some scenarios through some introduced, externally created hassles elevated because of colonization. The protagonist named Okonkwo mentioned in the story is a proof showing the lifestyle of the tribe. My main objective and focus is to lay emphasis on Africa specifically the Igbo society, before and after the arrival of the Europeans in Umuofia community; the results of their arrival concerning Igbo culture, thus leading to the clash of cultures between the two categories. I will also draw on post-colonialism with respect to globalization.