NARRATIVE THROUGH TYPOGRAPHY: A STUDY OF GRAPHOLOGICAL FOREGROUNDING IN PURPLE HIBISCUS
Adamma Babangida , Niger Delta University, Faculty of Arts, Department of English and Literary Studies Wilberforce Island Bayelsa State, NigeriaAbstract
This study explores the use of graphological foregrounding in Chimamanda Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus and its impact on narrative structure, characterization, and thematic expression. Graphological foregrounding, the manipulation of typographical elements such as font, spacing, and punctuation, serves as a significant tool in highlighting critical moments in the novel. This research examines how these visual choices reflect the psychological states of characters, especially the protagonist Kambili, and emphasize pivotal moments of tension, emotional turmoil, and transformation. Through a detailed analysis of key passages, the study illustrates how Adichie employs graphological foregrounding to enhance the reader’s emotional engagement and deepen the thematic exploration of power, control, and personal freedom. The findings suggest that these stylistic choices not only enrich the narrative but also invite readers to reconsider the boundaries between the verbal and the visual in literary texts.
Keywords
Graphological Foregrounding, Typography, Chimamanda Adichie
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