36th Annual Student Research Conference
Finding Her Voice: Aunty Ifeoma’s Role in Kambili’s Transformation in Chimamanda Adichie's Purple Hibiscus
Rose M. Kippenbrocik
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
The novel, Purple Hibiscus, tells the coming-of-age story of fifteen-year-old Kambili Achike in postcolonial Nigeria. Growing up in a dictatorial home ruled by her Papa, Eugene Achike, an extremely strict Catholic father, she and her brother, Jaja are punished and tyrannized by him. At the beginning of the novel, Kambili is only concerned with staying silent in fear of what her father may think of her actions and words. However, during a visit to their Aunt Ifeoma’s house, Kambili and her brother are exposed to laughter, joy, and freedom of expression. Aunty Ifeoma's words and actions shape Kambili's transformation as she moves toward finding her voice. This paper will examine the role of voice and silence as a tool to control, on the part of her father, and a tool to resist, on the part of Kambili and Jaja. By looking at Purple Hibiscus from a language perspective, this paper will explore how Kambili’s and her family’s actions and reactions initiate Kambili’s sense of self and agency.
Keywords: Purple Hibiscus, Control, Resistance, Voice, Transformation
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 206-2
Location: SUB 3202
Time: 10:30