Purple Hibiscus

Page 1

Significance of the Title.

The title 'Purple Hibiscus' reflects the theme of hybridity in the novel. The experimental purple hibiscus in Aunty Ifeoma's garden represents not only the clash of cultures experienced by the characters in the novel, but likewise a hope for a better future. In contrast to the startling red hibiscuses in Enugu which symbolizes a violent past ,the purple hibiscus in Nsukka represent a new time.

Hybridity is a cross between two separate races or cultures. A hybrid is something that is mixed, and hybridity is simply mixture. As an explicative term, hybriditybecame a useful tool in forming a fearful discourse of racial mixing that arose toward the end of the 18th Century.

The story The Purple Hibiscus is based in Nigeria upon the idea of an autocratic and abusive father who refuses to accept any input of his family and forces his views upon them but his on refuses to follow his fathers orders and his sister fears for his physical safety.

autocratic

adjective

relating to a ruler who has absolute power.

"the constitutional reforms threatened his autocratic power"

taking no account of other people's wishes or opinions; domineering.

"a man with a reputation for an autocratic management style"

synonyms:despotic, tyrannical, oppressive,