Violence is a theme that reverberates through the pages of literature, often serving as a backdrop for character development and thematic exploration. In this regard, both Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Purple Hibiscus” and Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” present powerful narratives where violence manifests in different forms—both physical and psychological. Although these two works stem from distinct cultural backgrounds and historical contexts, they share a common thread: the struggle for identity amidst oppression. This comparative analysis will explore how violence shapes the lives of the characters in these texts and reflects broader societal issues.
The Nature of Violence
In “Purple Hibiscus,” violence is predominantly physical, embodied by the authoritarian figure of Eugene Achike. His brutal punishments create an atmosphere of fear within his household. The narrative is steeped in Kambili’s (the protagonist) experiences with her father’s tyranny, which reveals not only personal trauma but also the sociopolitical climate of Nigeria during military rule. Eugene’s strict adherence to Catholicism juxtaposed with his abusive behavior highlights a profound hypocrisy; he enforces discipline at home while advocating for justice outside it.
On the other hand, “The Glass Menagerie” employs psychological violence rather than outright physical abuse. Tom Wingfield’s oppressive domestic environment stifles his aspirations as he feels trapped between familial obligation and personal desire. Amanda Wingfield’s incessant nagging serves as emotional manipulation that keeps Tom bound to their dysfunctional home life. Unlike Eugene’s visible brutality, Amanda’s actions inflict invisible scars that create deep-seated resentment and alienation within Tom.
The Effects on Characters
The effects of violence in both narratives are profound and far-reaching. In “Purple Hibiscus,” Kambili’s journey toward self-discovery unfolds against her father’s violent reign. The physical beatings she witnesses not only instill fear but also shape her perception of love and authority. Her struggle to reconcile her admiration for her father with the trauma he inflicts leads to a complex internal conflict—she yearns for freedom yet remains tethered by loyalty.
Kambili’s eventual awakening comes through exposure to her Aunt Ifeka’s more liberal lifestyle, contrasting sharply with her repressive home environment. Here lies one significant point: Adichie uses this juxtaposition to illuminate how external influences can catalyze change even in the most oppressive situations.
Meanwhile, Tom in “The Glass Menagerie” grapples with emotional turmoil stemming from his mother’s unrealistic expectations coupled with his own desire for autonomy. Amanda embodies both protection and entrapment; while she attempts to safeguard their fragile family unit, she simultaneously suffocates Tom’s dreams through incessant reminders of their past failures. The psychological toll culminates when Tom ultimately decides to leave—a choice born out of desperation rather than empowerment.
Societal Reflection
Both novels serve as microcosms reflecting larger societal issues through their portrayal of violence within familial structures. In Nigeria during political turmoil depicted in “Purple Hibiscus,” Eugene Achike symbolizes a system that perpetuates fear through authoritarianism—his violent rule mirrors state-sanctioned oppression prevalent at that time. Adichie subtly critiques how such environments breed cycles of abuse; children raised under tyranny often replicate those dynamics when they reach adulthood.
“The Glass Menagerie,” set against the backdrop of America’s Great Depression, reflects societal pressures that exacerbate familial dysfunctions as economic hardships contribute to feelings of inadequacy among its characters. Amanda represents traditional values clashing with modern realities—her fixation on social status compels her children into roles they neither want nor can fulfill adequately.
Conclusion: A Path Forward?
The examination of violence in both “Purple Hibiscus” and “The Glass Menagerie” ultimately invites readers to reflect on resilience amid suffering—Kambili learns to reclaim agency over her life while Tom escapes into uncertainty rather than confronting his familial ties directly. Both stories underscore an essential truth about human experience: although we may be shaped by our circumstances, we still possess the capacity for change and growth even when engulfed by chaos.
This comparative analysis reveals how deeply intertwined themes such as oppression and identity are within narratives centered around violence—whether overt or subtle—influence not just individual lives but also resonate across cultures universally highlighting humanity’s enduring quest for freedom against constraints imposed upon us.
- Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. Purple Hibiscus. Algonquin Books, 2003.
- Williams, Tennessee. The Glass Menagerie: A Family Play in One Act (New Directions Paperbook). New Directions Publishing Corporation, 2003.
- Kendall, Laurel R., eds., “Feminist Readings in Middle English Literature,” Cambridge University Press (1999).
- Petrie-Harris M., “A Comparative Analysis Between ‘The Glass Menagerie’ And ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’,” Journal Of American Drama And Theatre (2011).
