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Compare and contrast Miller and Adichie's presentation on identity in…
Compare and contrast Miller and Adichie's presentation on identity in 'The Crucible' and 'Purple Hibiscus'.
Purple Hibiscus
Kambili and Jaja both represent the theme of identity throughout the book, especially through Kambili because Adiche writes the book throughout her perspective and explores her finding her self-identity.
"I was not sure what my laughter sounded like"-Kambili.
She has been so controlled for most of her life that she doesn't even know her own laugh, something that is a big part of her own identity and even happiness.
Critic: Daria Tunca-'Kambili does not physically escape her father's blows, but she nevertheless manages a metaphorical flight'
“Whilst they sang, I opened my eyes and stared at the wall... I pressed my lips together, biting my lower lip, so my mouth would not join in with the singing on its own”.
"I wanted to be seen, to be heard, to be known. I wanted to exist beyond the walls of my fathers house"- Kambili
She yearns to break free from the constraints of her oppressive upbringing (trying to gain Papa's approval for everything she did) and establish her own identity (as she is learning and growing outside of Papa).
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Culture/Religoin plays a big part when representing identity. Papa represents indigenous culture (igbo)
"Papa changed his accent when he spoke, sounding British".
It's almost like Papa is ashamed of his Igbo religion and almost does not want others (Father Benedict) to know. However, when speaking to his family, he speaks igbo strongly.
'"Have you no words in your mouth?" he asked, entirely in Igbo."
papas influence though religion (Kambili views him, like god/having the same traits as God) when he is ideally, meant to be her role model, have a father identity which he does, but its harsh
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"God is big enough to do his own job. If God will judge our father for choosing to follow the way of our ancestors, then let god do the judging, not Eugene"-Aunty Ifeoma
She sees God as a separate identity/being from Papa, unlike Kambili who almost views him/obeys him like a god. Aunty is someone who sees him differently, with less power, a brother.
Aunty Ifeoma helps both Jaja and Kambili identities grow and become more prominent in the book, even when they are compared with her own children (Amaka, Obiora and Chima)
"Being defiant can be a good thing sometimes" "Defiance is like marijuana"-Aunty Ifeoma.
Aunty says this to Jaja, showing that she has a positive influence on Jaja when he is learning to find his own identity. She is telling him how to behave, how to be himself (mainly towards Papa?)
Aunty helps shape Kambili identity. She represents a contrasting perspective on identity, as she is more outspoken and independent compared to Kambili and her family (especially Mama). The character of Aunty Ifeoma challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations therefore, providing a different perspective of identity throughout the novel.
Critic: Ogaga Okuyade-'Ifeoma becomes a symbol of the iconoclastic identity and demistifier of patriarchal and despotic establishments'
The Crucible
In the crucible, identity is hidden by the use of religion which helps conceal characters true identities. E.g. sin, confession.
Accusations of witchcraft and the impact it has on the Puritan community manipulates civilians and presents the struggle to maintain ones identity in the face of adversity. LOOK FOR QUOTE
“I have seen too many frightful proofs in court-the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points!”
**"I have made a bell of my honour! I have rung the doom of my good name."-John Proctor The bell Proctor exclaims represents the struggle for him to commit his sins and that by coming out with the truth and getting the attention of his fellow townspeople, he has made his own personal doom. This tells us a little more about Proctors own identity.
John Proctors identity is portrayed through the novel through his individual thoughts, his religion and his guilt.
“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”-John Proctor Act 4
In this scene, Proctor confesses falsely to witchcraft. His own name is too precious for him to give up, its a part of his own identity and he can't 'lie' to himself (even though he is admitting witchcraft falsely).
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“I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it.”-John Proctor Act 4
Proctor is a character who has a strong identity in society.
Influences from the Puritan society help shape some characters identities throughout the book. E.g. through accusations, fear and hysteria of characters in society.
"I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart!"-Abigail Williams
Abigail confesses that Proctor put "knowledge in [her] heart" which adds to her own identity as a person but also in some ways, grew her identity being a young woman.
“I want to open myself... I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the devil.”
"I have gone tiptoe in this house all seven month since she is gone. I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you,"-Elizabeth Proctor
This shows us how men and women are identified in society. In this case, Elizabeth has a role to play in order to please John and meet his expectations. She is submissive and portrays no personal identity.
Comparison: Both texts strongly present the theme of identity throughout the use of religion e.g. Catholic and Puritanism. In The Crucible, Abigail goes against her beliefs when she commits the sin of witchcraft=rebellion. Alternatively, Kambili looks up to her father and follows the Catholic religion very strongly to make Papa proud=religion makes up most of her identity. Both characters identities are therefore being portrayed as quite different when it comes to their religion.
Comparison: Another way the theme of identity is portrayed in these two texts is through gender. For example, in The Crucible men are viewed as being more powerful in society (John Proctor ). This is also presented in Purple Hibiscus (Papas power over Mama).