Colonialism and Father Figures in Nervous Conditions and Purple Hibiscus

 

Bethany R. Spitzmiller
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

Both Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga and Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie portray the ways in which colonialism affects the main father figures, Babamukuru and Papa Eugene. The degree of self-negation which has been identified as “cultural hostility” can be observed in both fathers. The men expect perfection from their dependents to appease their oppressors, and the inability to be perfect provokes abusive behavior from the fathers, which ultimately divides the families.

 

Keywords: Colonialism, Oppression, Nervous Conditions, Purple Hibiscus, Fathers

Topic(s):English

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 306-4
Location: BH 251
Time: 2:15

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