Breakdown of History, Igbo Culture, and Characters
A breakdown of the novel Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This breakdown includes the novel's history, cultural significance, and characters.
It is divided into 3 sections Igbo culture and language, thematic analysis, and analysis o...
An essay on how the characters of Purple Hibiscus are shown to be impacted by colonialism and oppression.
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Purple Hibiscus: Novel Notes
Breakdown of History, Igbo Culture, Characters and Quotations
Notes by Micayla De Jesus
Context of the novel
Post-colonial literature = literature produced in certain nations that were once colonized by
European powers. Britain colonized Nigeria from 1914 to 1960.
Post-colonial media explores issues of identity and culture of either individuals or groups
who were directly affected by colonialism.
Purple Hibiscus is set during the 1980s when Nigeria was still recovering from the various
coups and the civil war of 1967. Since gaining independence no stable government was able
to establish leaving the country very unstable with a vicious cycle of cups occurring. During
the novel, Nigeria undergoes another coup and becomes a police state under authoritarian
rule in 1983.
Igbo Culture
-Igbo is one of the main ethnic groups in Nigeria. Through the pressures of colonialism, the
original Igbo culture was forced to change. Originally more of a solidarity culture with only
small groups near each other, the members of the Igbo community became more unified
with the new tradition of living in compounds that are made up of several family units (as
seen in the novel).
-Each village is typically populated by one umunna=the family relationship through the male
line
-Traditional Igbo culture emphasizes values such as community, family respect for elders,
life, and hospitality. However, these cultural values come into strong confrontation with the
Western influence through globalization.
-Through colonialism, many Igbo people converted to Christianity/Catholicism under the
influence of missionaries and schools that were set up under colonialism. Eugene can be
seen as a product of this system.
-The dialogue and narrative incorporate the Igbo language. The characters often use Igbo
proverbs to express wisdom, cultural values, and teachings. The use of language lends
authenticity and cultural complexity to the story.
-The novel depicts the traditional Igbo family system, highlighting the importance of extended
family and interconnectedness among cousins. This can be seen in Aunt Ifeoma's
household, with its lively and community spirit, which contrasts sharply with Kambili's family,
which is more authoritarian and reclusive.
Igbo Terms and Cultural References
● Agbogho: short for Agboghobia; young lady,maiden
, ● Agwonatumbe: "The snake that strikes the tortoise" (i.e. despite the
shell/shield)--the name of a masquerade at Aro festival
● Aja: sand or the ritual of appeasing an oracle
● Aku: winged termites, common during the rainy season; also means wealth.
● Akwam ozu: Funeral/ grief ritual or send-off ceremonies for the dead
● Aro: Spear referring to Aro-Igbo people, short for Arochukwu
● Aro festival: The main cultural festival of Aro people known for its fierce
masquerades
● Asusu anya: Eye language
● Atilogu: A form of Igbo acrobatic dance performance
● Atulu: Sheep/lamb--insinuating stupidity, dumb, a fool
● Azu: Fish
● Big man, Big Oga, or Big people: Powerful, wealthy, influential, high status in the
community, large (ex. Head of state)
● Chukwu: God
● Dim: my husband
● Kwa: also
● Kobo: Nigerian Currency, cents
● Harmattan: dry, dusty West African trade wind, blows south from Sahara into Gulf of
Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March (winter)
● Mmuo: spirits, separated between good and bad
● NEPA: Nigerian Electric Power Company
● Naira: Nigerian Currency, dollar
● Nwunye m: My wife
● O bugodi: dispel
● Ogbunambala: "He that kills in public." No secrecy or privacy. He who loves to
publicly disgrace or shame another
● Okada: motorcycle taxi
● Omelora: one who does for the community
● Umunna: “ancestors;” extended group of paternal kinsmen; extended family
● Unu: you (plural)
Igbo Words and Expressions in the novel
● Abi: “Right?” “Isn’t it?”
● Amam: "I know"
● Amarom: "I don't know"
● Anam asi: "Am saying"
● Biko: “Please”
● Bunie ya enu…: "Lift him/her high up"---referring to Jesus Christ
● Chelu nu: Hold your horses (idiom)
● Chelukwa!: Hold on a moment
● Ehye: “Yes,” “yeah”
● Ekwuzina: "Stop saying that!"
● Ezi okwu: “Is that true?” “Honestly?” “It is true!”
● Gini mezia: "What happened then?"
● Ifukwa: "you see!" "Do you see?"
● Ke kwanu?: “How are you?”
● Kedu: How are you? (singular)
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