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Examples Of Patriarchy In Purple Hibiscus

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Within Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus there is an evident reoccurrence of obvious patriarchy within the novel. Patriarchy is a social system whereas the male gender plays a role of primary power, dominance and leadership specifically marked through the supremacy of the father figure within a family. This sense of power is often shown through the themes of religion and violence which is most commonly displayed through the traits and actions of the character Eugene or known as ‘Papa’, the father of Kambili and jaja and the husband of Beatrice who rules the household as a typical example of the patriarchal way of life. Eugene is a representation of patriarchy, he causes an instant presence of fear that keeps the women within the household silenced. This silence is a product of abuse that has surface due to the beating and maltreating of his children at any sight of “failure” as well as Beatrice on a daily basis which even leads to a miscarriage on more than one occasion. Papa believes this violence is serving for a greater purpose, a way of forgiving them for their sins and is provoked by any actions he suspects to be immoral. …show more content…

This silence leaves the characters with no sense of belonging as they live in the terror that ‘Papa’ will disapprove of their actions when they speak. This results in the children taking solace in communicating with their eyes, interaction without words in case of saying something that is reamed punishable. This is evident when looking at Kambilis character, she is unable to speak further than the platitudes she has rehearsed without being left stuttering or coughing. She does not reveal the incidents that occur as home nor does she socialize, resulting in her being known by her classmates as a ‘backyard snob’ since she does not speak to her fellow

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