In the novel Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee the book deals with controversial theme sexuality. In the first couple chapters we find David a university professor who is involve sexually with Melanie. According to the book David has been married and divorce twice. The David character develops around its passion for Melanie, who is beautiful and smart girl. It seems that Melanie works as a prostitute and that is how David gets to know her. The story continues and David I believe falls in love with Melanie and he harasses her. The fact that Melanie withdrawals the class and doesn’t want to study any more shows her rebellion against prostitution. The professor is shock and Melanie’s father as well that asks David to intersect in her decision. How ever Melanie speak and made a sexual harassment complaint against David.
David seems very calm and I believe he doesn’t even care about the allegations. David’s personality suggests that he sees women as sexual object. This also raises a theme of gender issue between women and men. The novel portraits women as weak and inferior compare to men who are powerful and superior. For example, “She is too innocent for that, too ignorant of her power” (39). This is the opinion of David about Melanie and probably how he views women, innocent, weak and ignorant.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Farah Rashid English-255
Prof Fiona Lee Blog.
The Purple Hibiscus Written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi is indeed very bold. It mentions in dept about issues such as domination, oppression, fear, domestic violence etc. Papa being the dominating figure often abuses Jaja, Kimbili and Mama. In the novel the Purple Hibiscus, the author told the story from a women perspective unlike the novel Things fall apart written by the same author from a male prespective. What fell apart in this novel is the household. Not only that, there is a political unrest in the country and in their household too. In this male dominating arena, women are often ignored resulting in silence and oppression. This novel doesn’t only bring out the women point of view, but also is an intelligent attempt to bring out into the surface what is often purposely ignored, unheard and unseen. One f such example is domestic violence. In Purple Hibiscus, we get a strong sense of silence. Various aspect of silence is introduced here in the text. Therefore we can say that the novel carefully and indeed cleverly explores the theme of silence. Through out the novel we see that Jaja and Kimbili are both victims of violence and are equally silent. However Jaja later becomes very vocal about his own opinion and expresses repression against their abusive father. Unlike Kimbili and Mama, he stood up for himself. The notion of silence could also be described as a consequence of a trauma so deep that it is indeed very hard for one to come out of it. Thus silence slowly observes what cannot be said. Fortunately with time Kimbili slowly unwinds and expresses herself. Unlike before where she silently underwent violence, she now realizes the facts. Another such strong theme in this novel Purple Hibiscus is the notion of freedom. Freedom is indeed very hard to accomplish. In this text Jaja, Kimbili and Mama gets freedom from the abusive Papa. At the end of the novel Mama poisons Papa thus obtaining the much desired freedom. Even thought she frees herself from Papa’s oppression, is she really free ?. According to me, I strongly feel that freedom can not be obtained under any condition it is repetitive. Freedom is therefore a constant cycle, not only that for the rest of their lives they have to live with the hard fact that their Mama killed their Papa. Is this any less then mental torture ? I feel that if one is free he/she is definelty bonded to something else. One such example is Mama. Even through she got freedom from her abusive husband she lost her only son who took up the blame for her to jail. Her son is the price she paid. In conclusion, at the end of the novel we notice that each member of fammily is free but they did pay a heavy price for it. Jaja is imprisoned, Mama loose her son and lives with the mental torture that she herself poisoned her husband and finally Kimbili through whom we see the story is "shattered, broken into pieces and can never be fixed". We also learn that it is possible to love the person who abuses and oppress you.
Prof Fiona Lee Blog.
The Purple Hibiscus Written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi is indeed very bold. It mentions in dept about issues such as domination, oppression, fear, domestic violence etc. Papa being the dominating figure often abuses Jaja, Kimbili and Mama. In the novel the Purple Hibiscus, the author told the story from a women perspective unlike the novel Things fall apart written by the same author from a male prespective. What fell apart in this novel is the household. Not only that, there is a political unrest in the country and in their household too. In this male dominating arena, women are often ignored resulting in silence and oppression. This novel doesn’t only bring out the women point of view, but also is an intelligent attempt to bring out into the surface what is often purposely ignored, unheard and unseen. One f such example is domestic violence. In Purple Hibiscus, we get a strong sense of silence. Various aspect of silence is introduced here in the text. Therefore we can say that the novel carefully and indeed cleverly explores the theme of silence. Through out the novel we see that Jaja and Kimbili are both victims of violence and are equally silent. However Jaja later becomes very vocal about his own opinion and expresses repression against their abusive father. Unlike Kimbili and Mama, he stood up for himself. The notion of silence could also be described as a consequence of a trauma so deep that it is indeed very hard for one to come out of it. Thus silence slowly observes what cannot be said. Fortunately with time Kimbili slowly unwinds and expresses herself. Unlike before where she silently underwent violence, she now realizes the facts. Another such strong theme in this novel Purple Hibiscus is the notion of freedom. Freedom is indeed very hard to accomplish. In this text Jaja, Kimbili and Mama gets freedom from the abusive Papa. At the end of the novel Mama poisons Papa thus obtaining the much desired freedom. Even thought she frees herself from Papa’s oppression, is she really free ?. According to me, I strongly feel that freedom can not be obtained under any condition it is repetitive. Freedom is therefore a constant cycle, not only that for the rest of their lives they have to live with the hard fact that their Mama killed their Papa. Is this any less then mental torture ? I feel that if one is free he/she is definelty bonded to something else. One such example is Mama. Even through she got freedom from her abusive husband she lost her only son who took up the blame for her to jail. Her son is the price she paid. In conclusion, at the end of the novel we notice that each member of fammily is free but they did pay a heavy price for it. Jaja is imprisoned, Mama loose her son and lives with the mental torture that she herself poisoned her husband and finally Kimbili through whom we see the story is "shattered, broken into pieces and can never be fixed". We also learn that it is possible to love the person who abuses and oppress you.
Is freedom giving birth to another Tyrant?
In the novel "Purple Hibiscus", the author has shown the various shifts in the lives of Jaja and Kambili. The transformation that takes place when they go to Aunty Ifeoma's house and when they come back, they had realized that there was a world outside their house which was full of joy and happiness. The author also gives us an idea that they achieve freedom after Mama had killed Papa. But the question that I want to ask is that wasn't Jaja transforming into his own father? There were a couple of incidents where he was beginning to show signs of dominance and dictatorship. The fact that when his father was ill , he tells him that kambili and him were going to their Aunt's house after they had received the news of their Aunt applying for the visa at the American Embassy. The fact that his father was ill which was a sign of weakness and Jaja was portraying the same characteristics as his father did when he was healthy. Papa used to dominate the weak, Jaja and Kambili, in the sense that they never raised their voice. In fact, their mother never questioned his authority inspite of all the miscarriages that she had. Also the fact that when Kambili and Mama go to visit Jaja, he tells Mama to tighten her scarf and she does it very quickly. When Kambili had said the same thing to Mama, she tells Kambili that it was tight enough. So, I'm wondering was it because Jaja had taken the blame for her mother or was it because he was slowly transforming to take his father's place as the dictator?
Mr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Papa reminds me of Jekyll and Hyde. He shows the world that he is civilized and very passionate about speaking up about things that are wrong, like the government, yet when he goes home he becomes this abusive monster. The fact that he keeps his family on a short leash is showing that he can’t trust them at all. He doesn’t take well to rebellion. He feels that if they rebel in anyway it’s due to them being swayed by sin.
When we meet his sister Aunt Ifeoma, who was born and raised the same way as him, has a different approach to keeping her kids in line and it’s not by abuse. You can’t even blame papa’s upbringing because the book shows the two siblings in contrast with each other. The fact that he is a product of colonization is answer enough. He has adopted everything that the British have taught him. Religion is the biggest factor.
I feel that papa is portrayed in this light because it’s to show the reader that you should never judge a book by its cover. No one would believe that he lifts his hand to his wife and children because he gives money to charities, he goes to mass everyday and he’s loaded. Why would he need to beat his family? You can’t help but see him as a bad person throughout the novel. I want to see him as a somewhat good character but just because you give money to a charity does not make you a good person. If he was a good person at all, why would his wife kill him? Why would Jaja have animosity towards him? For Kimbali the loss of papa is a big deal because at the end of the day it was still her father. He raised her to be who she is and yes he did abuse her yet she didn’t despise him for it otherwise she would not feel the loss so much.
When we meet his sister Aunt Ifeoma, who was born and raised the same way as him, has a different approach to keeping her kids in line and it’s not by abuse. You can’t even blame papa’s upbringing because the book shows the two siblings in contrast with each other. The fact that he is a product of colonization is answer enough. He has adopted everything that the British have taught him. Religion is the biggest factor.
I feel that papa is portrayed in this light because it’s to show the reader that you should never judge a book by its cover. No one would believe that he lifts his hand to his wife and children because he gives money to charities, he goes to mass everyday and he’s loaded. Why would he need to beat his family? You can’t help but see him as a bad person throughout the novel. I want to see him as a somewhat good character but just because you give money to a charity does not make you a good person. If he was a good person at all, why would his wife kill him? Why would Jaja have animosity towards him? For Kimbali the loss of papa is a big deal because at the end of the day it was still her father. He raised her to be who she is and yes he did abuse her yet she didn’t despise him for it otherwise she would not feel the loss so much.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Is the trip to Nsukka therapeutic or what?
The visit to auntie Ifeoma’s is not only therapeutic; it is also an eye opener, for
Jaja and his sister Kambili. It is most therapeutic for Kambili who lives in her own small
world of fear and misery to see how much laughter, freedom and joy other children
experience in their homes even though they are poor. They come to a quick realization
that money is not everything. It is true that with money you derive material satisfaction,
but not of the soul. Happiness is not something money can buy. Money has limitations in
its power obviously, it cannot buy health, peace love, true friendship about all, it can not
buy happiness, if it can, Papa will have plenty of bliss and it will radiate so much so
even his most remote relatives will feel the impact. I bet you, they know that papa would
have bought for everyone in his immediate family some happiness, because he loves
them and want them to be perfect unblemished beings before men and God. Unfortunate,
what you do not have you cannot give. He totally lacks a sense of humor, togetherness,
unity, affection, can not compromise for anything not even at his father death, he bluntly
refuses to be a part of the burial just because he is not a Christian. He is stiff neck and
has know clue of what Christianity is all about.
For the first time in Purple Hibiscus Kimbili and Jaja are actively involved in
outdoor activities, play football, gardening and chasing after others, all sought of fun
things that children normally do and enjoy. Also, they have the opportunity to stay in the same house with Papa- Nnukwu their grandfather who told them tales of old and jokes that they makes the laugh. Although the stay together is brief, they see how funny, playful and kind their Papa-Nukwu is. That he even includes his son Eugene who calls him a pagan and has forsaking him in his prayers is remarkable. He impart Kembili and Jaja in a positive way. As for Kembili, after spending the afternoon with Father Amadi, Kimbili actually declares “I had smiled, run, laugh. My chest was filled with something like bath foam. Light. The lightless was so sweet I tasted it on my tongue, the sweetness of an overripe bright yellow cashew fruit” (Page 180). She was able to hold a conversation with Father Amadi and she is happy about it.
The experience in Nsukka was the beginning of a new dawn for these two. A seed is planted awaiting germination in due cause.
Looking for approval in Purple Hibiscus
In Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Aidchie One of the main things I find problematic about Kambili is that she constantly looks for approval from her father. She seems to back track in her thoughts alot as well and on several occasions she can be seen saying "I wish I had thought to say that before" When she comes second she has a bit of a physical breakdown, this to me demonstrates the amounts of pressure she experiences in her home. It is interesting that her grandfather is "godless" but was still able to find a way to somehow educate her father. The imagery of her fathers room is also interesting because while there is so much white in his room, it seems safe but also smothering and overwhelming.
I feel that her looking for approval from her father is more about trying to get back to her place of safety and regain the same relationship she once had with her father. I also feel like the way that his room is fashioned can be compared to his extremest views about religion. Everything is white and according to Kambili "all that cream blended and made the room seem wider, as if it never ended, as if you could not run if you wanted to because there was nowhere to run to."(pg 41) In contrast to her wanting to please her father there is also the element of extreme acts of violence, I feel as though these represent the idea of extreme punishments in contrast with religious views. Eugene wants his children to do well and to be perfect, however because they are just human beings. Human beings are subject to failure as they are subject to sin. When momma says "Thank God Ade is safe" and Papa says that he had cigarettes put out on his back, I feel this also returns us to the idea of physical punishment in order to elavate the soul. This was an extrimest view christians heild during the crusades.
I feel that her looking for approval from her father is more about trying to get back to her place of safety and regain the same relationship she once had with her father. I also feel like the way that his room is fashioned can be compared to his extremest views about religion. Everything is white and according to Kambili "all that cream blended and made the room seem wider, as if it never ended, as if you could not run if you wanted to because there was nowhere to run to."(pg 41) In contrast to her wanting to please her father there is also the element of extreme acts of violence, I feel as though these represent the idea of extreme punishments in contrast with religious views. Eugene wants his children to do well and to be perfect, however because they are just human beings. Human beings are subject to failure as they are subject to sin. When momma says "Thank God Ade is safe" and Papa says that he had cigarettes put out on his back, I feel this also returns us to the idea of physical punishment in order to elavate the soul. This was an extrimest view christians heild during the crusades.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
An Outsider
In the novel, "Purple Hibiscus", the author is trying to explore the feeling that Kambili is experiencing when she and Jaja go to their aunt Ifeoma's house. When Kambili goes to her aunt's house, she experiences a sense of awkwardness amongst her own cousins. Amaka knew that Kambili was very close to her father and did everything to please him. She tells Kambili that there was no place in Nsukka that was upto a level that Kambili was used to. It was almost that she was mocking Kambili beacuse of the fact that she belonged to a rich family. Kambili was experiencing a world that was totally different from Amaka's in every aspect. She was humiliated by Amaka at every instance when she is unable to perform a certain activity. Kambili is flabbergasted by the idea that there was always laughter in her aunt's house in contrast to her house where there was silence and people spoke only when they were spoken to. I want to raise a point about how Amaka constantly mocks and taunts Kambili about how she is living this luxurious life and dosen't know any chores. Was it more about how Amaka was living and content with whatever her mother provided to her or was it more about why she didn't have the same life as Kambili ?
Also, Kambili experiences the instance when her brother's name is questioned and how her aunt tells the story about why her brother's nickname was given as Jaja. Aunt Ifeoma tells the story about the king Jaja of Opobo and how he rebelled against the British. Kambili is almost taken by surprise when his brother Jaja says that "The British won the war, but they lost many battles". She had not experienced a male character other than her father to speak in an angry tone. She had always kept her voice back and this is shown in the book many times when she says that " I wish I had said that".
Also, Kambili experiences the instance when her brother's name is questioned and how her aunt tells the story about why her brother's nickname was given as Jaja. Aunt Ifeoma tells the story about the king Jaja of Opobo and how he rebelled against the British. Kambili is almost taken by surprise when his brother Jaja says that "The British won the war, but they lost many battles". She had not experienced a male character other than her father to speak in an angry tone. She had always kept her voice back and this is shown in the book many times when she says that " I wish I had said that".
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