Purple Hisbiscus Flashcards
Okuyade (2009) - Telling of numerous stories
Though a novel about coming-of-age, it also glaringly captures the socio-political evolution of Nigeria. The novel tells numerous stories that run simultaneously
Okuyade (2009) - Use of irony
[Eugene] urges his editor, Ade Coker to ensure that the Standard speaks out, yet he continues to muzzle his wife and children. Silence in Eugene’s home is so magnified to the extent that it could be heard.
Uwakweh (1995) - The weapon of silence
As a patriarchal weapon of control, it is used by the dominant male structure on the subordinate or muted female structure
Okuyade (2009) - Domestic violence
“When Kambili narrates the issues of spouse beating, she does so with a sense of ordinariness and opacity…From her narrative it seems as if spouse beating is a normal phenomenon”
Okuyade (2009) - Use of symbols
The shards of the figurines represent … the gradual fragmentation of the organic and psychological wholeness of his family.
Okuyade (2009) - Choice of Narrator
“It is also more believable to see the complexities and absurdities of religion through the eyes of a younger person who is not cynical or jaded”
Stobie (2010)- Kambili’s development
“Observing female suffering, rebellion and power acts as a spur to Kambili’s development”
Nenevé (2019) - Breaking Stereotypes
Her novel provides “perspectives that go beyond the stereotypical representations perpetuated historically by literature and by the media.”
Nenevé (2019) - Intertextuality
The novel is also in dialogue with Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’, in the sense Purple Hibiscus engages with the context and many issues discussed by Adichie’s predecessor in his story”
Wallace (2012) - View of Religion
“As a post-colonial text, Purple Hibiscus critiques the associated violence of Christian religion.. and patriarchal domination”
Okolo (2017)- Use of Symbols
“The hibiscus at Papa’s compound and that of those at Aunty Ifeoma’s are unlike and direct opposites”
Wallace (2012) - Use of Contrast
The text, Purple Hibiscus provides “parallel critiques of Igbo culture through contrasting characters…”
Wallace (2012) - The organization of the novel
The use of “Palm Sunday”, “Before Palm Sunday” and “After Palm Sunday” as the critic notes, “ [They] highlight the importance of Roman Catholic observance in Kambili’s family”
Pitt (2014) - Symbolism of the Figurines
“They can be seen to symbolize “mama’s fragility and delicacy,”
Greenfield (2014) - Effect of Silence
“Silence and difficulty speaking are characteristics of children who have experienced trauma”
