Misuse of power in chinua achebe’s anthill of the savannah and chimamanda adichie’s purple hibiscus

Project Abstract

The misuse of power is a recurring theme in African literature, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial societies. This research delves into the portrayal of power dynamics in Chinua Achebe's "Anthills of the Savannah" and Chimamanda Adichie's "Purple Hibiscus." By analyzing the characters and their interactions within these novels, this study aims to explore the various forms and consequences of power misuse depicted by the authors. Achebe's novel presents a political narrative set in an unnamed African country, focusing on the corrupt and authoritarian rule of the dictator, Sam. Through the characters of Chris and Beatrice, Achebe illustrates the manipulation and abuse of power at the highest levels of government, leading to a tyrannical regime that suppresses dissent and perpetuates violence. On the other hand, Adichie's "Purple Hibiscus" delves into the domestic sphere to examine the effects of power dynamics within a family unit. Eugene, the authoritarian father, exerts control over his family through religious fanaticism and physical violence, creating a stifling environment for his children, Kambili and Jaja. Adichie skillfully portrays the psychological impact of power misuse on the individual, particularly on Kambili, who struggles to find her voice and agency in the face of oppression. Through the contrasting experiences of the characters in both novels, this research highlights the pervasive nature of power misuse in different spheres of society, be it political or familial. Furthermore, this study explores the implications of power misuse on personal relationships, societal structures, and individual identity. It examines how the characters navigate and resist oppressive power dynamics, shedding light on the resilience and agency of the human spirit in the face of adversity. By comparing Achebe's and Adichie's nuanced portrayals of power dynamics, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding power and its impact on individuals and communities in post-colonial Africa. Overall, the analysis of power misuse in "Anthills of the Savannah" and "Purple Hibiscus" offers valuable insights into the socio-political landscape of Africa and the enduring struggle for justice, freedom, and autonomy in the face of oppressive power structures.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div>Over the ages, some persons or group of persons are known to misuse power to bully their subjects or subordinates. This unwholesome act gives rise to many literary works condemning the act. This work considers the misuse of power as portrayed by the novels Anthills of the Savannah and purple Hibiscus by Chinua Achebe and Chimmamanda Adichie respectively. Achebe in his novel shows the danger of pursuing power for power’s sake and also the impact of a dictator on a populace – the people of Kangan only suffer from Sam’s leadership. He represents the archetypal corrupted Nigerian leaders. Eugene Achike in purple Hibiscus is another character who abuses his patriarchal power over his family. Eugene is both a religious zealot and a violent figure in the Achike household, subjecting his wife Beatrice, Kambili and her brother Jaja to beatings and psychological cruelty. This work therefore condemns in strong terms the brutality and disregard for human existence that exist in our contemporary society. People placed in authority must exercise their powers in accordance with the societal norms. There must be mutual respect and understanding in the families for a stable society.</div><div><p><strong>CHAPTER ONE</strong></p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1.0 &nbsp;</strong><strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;BACK GROUND OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>According to Webster Comprehensive Dictionary, Literature is “the written work or production of the human mind collectively”.Oguche A.G defines literature as “a written work which deals with the themes of permanent and universal interests characterized by creativeness and grace of expression as poetry, fiction, essay, drama etc” (1). Literature is also viewed as a writing that pre-eminently reflects on and qualifies some aspects of human experiences, illuminating it from the perspective of scientific and intelligent observers.</p><p>There are two forms of Literature- written literature and oral literature. This work will dwell essentially on the written form of literature as it considers two literary works: <em>Anthills of the Savannah</em>&nbsp;by Chinua Achebe; <em>Purple Hibiscus</em>&nbsp;by Chimamanda Adichie. The work seeks to trace how the two authors under review portray the misuse of power by people in the society.</p><p>According to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, Power is the ability to control people or things. Power also means the right or authority of a person or group to do something. Over the ages, some persons or group of persons are known to misuse power to bully their subjects or subordinates. This unwholesome act gives rise to many literary works condemning the act.</p><p><em>Anthills of the Savannah</em>&nbsp;is a 1987 novel by a Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe. It was his fifth novel, first published in the UK 21 years after Achebe’s previous one (<em>A Man of the People</em>&nbsp;in 1966), and was credited with having revived his reputation in Britain. A finalist for the 1987 Booker Prize for Fiction, <em>Anthills of the Savannah </em>has been described as the most important novel to come out of Africa in the 1980’s.</p></div> <br><p></p>