The Quest for Equality: The Invitational Rhetoric of Adichie's Novel Purple Hibiscus

Abstract

The growth in status of women partaking in social, political and economic issues has seen the willingness of women and men to cooperate in their undertakings. This willingness to work with men has led Adichie to display the sense of the invitation of perspectives in the manner that does not degrade any participant in the conversations. In examining Adichie's novel The Purple Hibiscus, this paper examines the feminist principles of equality, immanent value and self-determination used in the quest to obliterate the system of patriarchy and how the external conditions of value, safety and freedom contribute to cooperative dialogues. It shows that some traditional beliefs continue to suppress the contributions of women, which is a challenge in recognising the value of women's contributions. Adichie has shown how Kambili suffers the lack of freedom when interacting in the presence of her father, Eugene, because of his domination and traditional beliefs. The paper sees that in adhering to these principles men and women can reach the consensus necessary to do away with patriarchal society. It further tries to show the viability of invitational rhetoric in sharing perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.