Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Scholarly interest in Zainab Alkali's Purple Hibiscus has remained strong, reflecting its continued relevance to discussions of Nigerian and African literary identity.

Despite the volume of criticism devoted to Purple Hibiscus, its use of point of view in relation to cultural conflict has not been exhaustively examined, leaving room for closer textual analysis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While Zainab Alkali's Purple Hibiscus is widely studied, there is no settled critical consensus on how its point of view functions specifically in relation to cultural conflict. This study undertakes a close textual analysis to address that gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the use of point of view in Zainab Alkali's Purple Hibiscus.
2. To analyze how point of view contributes to the portrayal of cultural conflict.
3. To assess the effectiveness of point of view as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text.
4. To situate the findings within the broader context of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How is point of view used in Zainab Alkali's Purple Hibiscus?
2. In what ways does point of view contribute to the portrayal of cultural conflict?
3. How effective is point of view as a stylistic/thematic tool in the text?
4. How does this reading relate to the broader body of Nigerian literary/linguistic scholarship?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to students and teachers of english language / literary studies, offering a close reading of Zainab Alkali's Purple Hibiscus that can support classroom discussion and further critical work. It also contributes to the broader body of scholarship on Nigerian literary and linguistic studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to a close textual analysis of point of view within Purple Hibiscus, reflecting a MSc-level scope; it does not extend to a full survey of the author's other works.