Subversive responses to oppression in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus

Abstract

Focusing on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s critically acclaimed Purple Hibiscus (2003), this article argues that subversion, an aggressive performance that aimed at overthrowing and displacing patriarchal institutions which initially impact on the choices and activities of the oppressed, is the hallmark of the fictional figures’ responses to oppression. The essay contends that such forceful reactions to repression expand our understanding of twenty-first century Nigerian female-authored narratives. This argument I contrast with earlier critical readings, observing that while critics are eager to expose and endorse a female presence in the text, the readings often undermine its revolutionary suggestions. Through a radical feminist approach, my analysis of the novel highlights the heroines in order to demonstrate subversive behaviours in their drive to establish female agency, and notes such defiance to be necessary considering their repressive milieu. In doing so, I conclude with the notion that dissidence is a remarkable feature of the novel, and that the radical feminist paradigm is useful in widening awareness to this groundbreaking tenor.

Representation of Female Mental Ill Health in the African Novel

“…This becomes even more of a disadvantage for this gender in a culture that promotes collective values above individual wellbeing. African culture's idea of an ideal woman, or as Nwokocha (2019) succinctly puts it, "the social expectations of femaleness," is of one who is "…innocent, calm, gentle, passive, and sacrificial …who surrenders all so as to gain the respect of the community" (p. 275). Adding her voice to the subject, Millet (2016) submits that "patriarchal culture is resolute as a system of power relationship, whereby men as a group control women as a group and possess more social wealth, power, esteem as well as control over these resources than women" (p. 22).…”

The representation of the city in the Modern Nigerian novel: Chris Abani’s Graceland and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus under the lens

“…Father Amadi become a harmonious and soothing angels in human form. Sandra Nwokocha (2017) in her essay "Subversive Responses to Oppression in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus" asserts that "liberation might be attained through non-confrontational means; however, concerted effort in form of overturning the status quo is required since the oppressors are determined not to relinquish their control" (3). And in an attempt to use nonconfrontational means for the oppressors, Adichie combatively and ingeniously inverted an alternative city of Nsukka for the mentoring of Jaja, Kambili and most ultimately, energizes Beatrice to act fast as Aunty Ifeoma advised ; "When a house is on fire, you run out before the roof collapses on your hand" (219).…”

Rethinking female sexuality in Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun

“…For Adichie, Olanna's sexual retaliation is conditioned by her reasoning: that Odenigbo should make a conscientious effort to preserve what they share together, and when he fails to do that, she, too, does not feel obligated to protect it either. Through Olanna, Adichie exposes and reverses the convention of a virtuous woman who minds domestic issues while the man philanders (Nwokocha, 2017(Nwokocha, , 2018. This is also the case for Kainene.…”