Sound In Purple Hibiscus

The Contrasting Motif of Silence and Sound in Purple Hibiscus People generally do not usually view sound as something that is always changing. To most people, sound is a constant. However, we see that peoples’ perceptions of sound can evolve over time in the literature we read. Purple Hibiscus, a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, shows us how outside forces can drive us to view sound differently. In Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie uses the contrasting motif of silence and sound to illustrate Kambili’s journey of overcoming oppression to find her voice and establish a true sense of identity. Kambili’s speech is initially motivated by her father’s approval but she soon learns to speak more freely and imagines a future for herself

He constantly attempts to control her and enforce his goals on her. For example, Papa pushed Kambili to constantly study in her room until she was ranked first in her class, even when it halted her social life completely (Adichie, 49-51). When Kambili finally earns her number one ranking, she falls “asleep hugging close the image of Papa’s face lit up” and “the sound of Papa’s voice telling [her] how proud of [her] he was” (Adichie, 52-53). Kambili’s goal to become the highest ranked student in her class was motivated by Papa’s wishes and expectations rather than Kambili’s true desires. Further on, Kambili dreams of laughing. She says: “I dreamed that I was laughing, but it did not sound like my laughter, although I was not sure what my laughter sounded like. It was cackling and throaty and enthusiastic, like Aunty Ifeoma’s” (Adichie, 88). Kambili slowly starts to realize that she does not have to be miserable her entire life. After she spends time with Aunty Ifeoma, her more expressive side comes to light. Later in the novel, Kambili laughs out loud, showing her progression down the road to her freedom. As Kambili spends time with Father Amadi, she is surprised by the sound of her own laughter: “I laughed. It sounded strange, as if I were listening to the recorded laughter of a stranger being played back. I was not sure I had ever heard myself laugh. ‘Why did you become a priest?’ I blurted out,

Kambili’s journey of overcoming oppression establishing her identity shows contemporary readers that through effort and determination they too can overcome any hardship. This message is important to all societies, particularly ones in Nigeria, whose government was very unstable and oppressive. Historically, social activists like Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated their lives to mending racial injustice and discrimination. Even though Dr. King was murdered for speaking freely, his actions and rhetoric brought massive attention to the issue. Shortly after his death, segregation in the United States was halted and King’s dream of racial equality became reality. Even though it is hard for people to stand up to their social superiors, once they do, their lives and others’ lives could drastically change for the