Characterization of Aunty Ifeoma in "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Aunty Ifeoma is a main character in the novel "Purple Hibiscus". She is a modern feminist who is very independent and does not feel obligated to conform to traditional Igbo customs or Catholic beliefs. She is well-educated, confident, and encourages debate and disagreement among her children. Aunty Ifeoma is Kambili's mother's sister-in-law and the sister of Kambili's father. She is an attractive woman with a well-proportioned body and a big gap between her front teeth. She cares about her outward appearance and has a pleasant smell.
Aunty Ifeoma lives alone without a husband, as her husband died in a car accident. This event made her grow and become strong and independent. She believes that life begins when the marriage ends and talks disparagingly about her dead husband's family. She makes her own decisions and shows that she can reach everything she wants. Aunty Ifeoma believes that a woman should have an education before getting married and that people should marry for love, not for luxuries.
Aunty Ifeoma is characterized by her open-minded attitude, which is revealed in her desire to take the children to Abagana for the Aro festival. She wants children to be independent as well. She is also characterized by her self-confident, talkative, outgoing, carefree, joyful, and non-conformist attitude. She does not compare or orient herself to others and is an example of the advanced independent woman who is becoming more and more assertive as a result of development.
In conclusion, Aunty Ifeoma is a modern and educated woman who represents the role of a modern woman in Nigeria. She is an example of an advanced independent woman who is becoming more assertive as a result of development.
