Analyzing a Central Theme in Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie

Requirements for the Essay Assignment

In essay form, analyze a central theme you have identified in Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie’s novel Purple Hibiscus. The argument you develop must be original and should be supported throughout with evidence from the primary text.  In addition, for this assignment you are required to consult two secondary academic sources.  These sources must be available in our library collection (physical or electronic). 

Ensure you do not rely on these sources to make your central argument but rather use them to enrich points in your discussion. In-paper MLA references to all the ideas your draw from the novel and from your secondary sources must be carefully and correctly made. 

Print and electronic sources are acceptable. Search for articles in scholarly journals or books.  You may replace one of the two required scholarly sources with a lecture given by the author, but no other popular source. A source could focus on Purple Hibiscus specifically, on the author’s work in general, on the setting of the novel (post-colonial Nigeria), on post-colonial or feminist literary theory, on the novel as a genre.  If you anticipate trouble finding sources, ask for help (in good time) from a librarian or your instructor.

For extra credit, you are encouraged to visit the Writing Centre as you work on your paper.  Make sure you get a Writing Centre referral sheet signed and dated by a Writing Centre instructor if you want this credit.Discuss any of the following:

1. Thesis development
2. MLA documentation
3. Evaluating sources
4. Integrating secondary sources into a literary analysis
5. Editing to improve fluency