Oppression and Revolt in Chimamanda Adichie’s <em>Purple Hibiscus</em>

Abstract

This paper examines the oppressive practice of Chimamanda Adichie’s character – Eugene in Purple Hibiscus on members of his nuclear family. This oppression endangers normal familial relationship as the oppressed view their oppression as an infringement on their fundamental human rights. Therefore, they express their displeasure by revolting against their oppressor. Revolt as a concept is usually not a pleasant experience because it is a reaction to a negative action. Eugene’s family members revolt against him and the climax is his elimination from the surface of the earth. Using Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, this paper condemns oppression in all spheres of human endeavour. This is because the reaction to the phenomenon of oppression, which is revolutionary in nature is always disastrous.