Rebellion and Resilience: Tempestuous Adolescence Experience in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Paradise and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus

Purpose: This study compares the portrayal of turbulent adolescence in postcolonial Africa as depicted in Abdulrazak Gurnah’s Paradise and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. It delves into the impact of socio-political and familial disruptions on the maturation journeys of adolescent characters within the historical contexts of pre-colonial Tanzania and postcolonial challenges in Nigeria. Method: Employing qualitative content analysis, this study examines the socio-political, familial, and cultural milieus depicted in the two novels, with a particular emphasis on the growth and experiences of adolescent protagonists. Discussion: Gurnah’s Paradise offers a unique perspective on adolescent turmoil through Yusuf’s narrative, exploring societal shifts and personal identity in an African setting before colonization. Similarly, Purple Hibiscus by Adichie reveals the stormy adolescence of Kambili and Jaja amidst political unrest in Nigeria. The story examines their transformative encounters, contrasting the oppressive family environment with the liberating atmosphere of Aunty Ifeoma’s home in Nsukka. The narratives also delve into the loss of native culture during colonial and post-colonial eras. Result and Conclusion: Utilizing comparative literary analysis, this study seeks to enhance the comprehension of the complex nature of adolescence in the contexts of pre-colonial and postcolonial Africa, emphasizing the intricate interplay between individual maturation and the wider socio-political and cultural frameworks.