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Purple Hibiscus Analysis

Decent Essays

The novel Purple Hibiscus, written by Chimamanda Adichie is first seen as a typical, modern, adolescent fiction novel. A bildungsroman where a brother and sister navigate the challenges of a neglective adulthood. This includes the impact of social ostracism, having an abusive parent, and the emerging desire to become independent from the restricting orders of Papa Eugene, the father. Nevertheless, the historical context of the novel is set in post Biafra Nigeria depicting Purple Hibiscus as more than just a modern adolescent fiction novel, as it creates an intricate allegory that allows the reader to understand the complexity of the post colonial period in Nigeria. Purple Hibiscus explores the influence that historical context can have on …show more content…

After Kambili was released from the hospital she was sent to “Nsukka for a week, and Jaja would go with her”(216) instead of being sent to her home in Enugu. Having the knowledge of the war and how Nigeria became divided due to their cultural, ethnic and economic differences, the reader is able to make connections with the ironic idea of a wealthy home in an neglective environment and a poor household with a warm-hearted setting.
Possessing knowledge of the historical context regarding the novel can greatly facilitate the understanding of the various characters, as they most commonly share a relationship with history. This can once again be seen in Purple Hibiscus with the various characters present. For instance, the character of Ade Coker is modeled after Dele Giwa, a journalist and outspoken critic of the Nigerian government, Giwa was killed by a mail bomb in his home in 1986 just as Ade Coker was. Ade Coker was “blown up when he opened the package” in his own home for being an outspoken journalist that talked about the harsh reality of the Nigerian government (206). Amaka also talks about artists such as “ Fela, Osadebe and Onyeka” who were Amaka’s favorite musicians (118). Fela Ransome Kuti is one of the best-known Nigerian musicians. Like Papa Eugene, Kuti was educated in England. He railed against the colonial mentality of his upbringing and advocated for a return of traditions and democracy. He was

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