Introduction

The art of storytelling which holds a place within the realms of literature, operates the
mechanism that effortlessly interlaces the elements together to keep the audience engrossed
in the story and discover the idea in it. In African literature, especially as highlighted in the
works of the female authors, the space is more explored than ever, providing a singular lens
where certain themes that are crucial like identity, agency, and cultural belonging are
examined.

This dissertation aims to explore the layers of space portrayals in African female authors'
literature with special reference to Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. A detailed text analysis intended to decipher the authors’
storytelling art and acquire insightful details will be used to understand how space is minutely
used as a part of narrative technique.

Such exploration is intended to not be an exclusive one, but a tool to keenly raise our
understanding of how literary works are crafted while contributing to discussions in the
specialised fields of literary studies and cultural studies. This research essence is to create
space for previously ignored female-authored literature from Africa by emphasising the value
of space in female-authored literature. Through contrary narrative, the stereotypes associated
with literature will be challenged and a more inclusive understanding of the dynamic world
will take centre stage.

Aim and intention

The overarching aim of this dissertation is to embark on a comprehensive exploration of the

multifaceted role of space in the literary works of African female authors, with a particular
focus on the seminal texts of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi
Adichie's Purple Hibiscus. Through meticulous analysis and critical inquiry, the intention is
to delve into the depths of narrative craftsmanship, unravelling the intricate ways in which
these authors employ space to articulate the experiences of marginalised individuals,
negotiate complex socio-cultural landscapes, and challenge prevailing norms and power
structures.
Through revealing the diverse ways spatial dimensions are interpreted in these fictional
pieces, the study wants to shed light on the artistic nature of the processes of African female
authors when they create their narratives and the delicacy of the details and profound depths
that they embed into their work. Moreover, particular focus will be placed on how space has
remained as an all-powerful tool of literary expression.

Scope of the Study

The domain of my dissertation is an in depth analysis of spatial aspects found in Alice

Walker’s The Color Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. A
comparative method to explore the connections as well as distinctions between the two
renowned writers in how they deploy space within their stories will be made use of. Apart
from the mere textual analysis, the paper will interpret its results within broader literary and
cultural landscapes, such as African and feminist literary traditions as well. The research
paper is aimed at exploring the role of space in these novels as their significance in relation to
the main theme is undertaken. Through this, the communication of how themes and
symbolism interact through space in the novels is made evident.

Significance of study

The significance of the study is its contribution to the general discourse of African literature,
feminist literature and narrative technique. Through analysis of how space consciousness
came into play for the stories, researchers figured out the style of African female writers and
methods they use to express themselves in the most effective ways. Besides, the study
impoverishes debates around representations, identities, and power dynamics in literature by
adding into them details that deal similarly with these themes. The work attempts to deflect
the existing literature perspectives and widen the horizons of storytelling strategies which are
present among different cultures and nations. Eventually, being immersed in the spatial
dimensions of narration, the aim of this study is to make us see through the complex nature of
art and appreciate the richness of this production for its ability to construct a mirror of the
reality around us.

Objectives
1. The discussion of how the physical and symbolic spaces are portrayed in the "The Color
Purple" and "Purple Hibiscus.
2. The paper will also analyse the significance of various space binaries in the novel which
plays a major role in shaping the lives of the characters.
3. The social, cultural and historical aspects of the society prevailing at the time of the writing
of the book are to be explored to understand why the author chose to perceive space this way.
4. This paper will look into identifying whether the space elements influence the thematic
voice of the reader and their level of engagement in the story.

Research Question

How do Alice Walker and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie employ space as a narrative device in
The Color Purple and Purple Hibiscus and what insights does this offer into the artistry of
African female storytelling?

Literature review

The main focus of this critical review is the presentation of the already accomplished work on
the delicate relation between space and storytelling, considering the specific context of the
African female writers.

The review will then get to the notable critically acclaimed and intellectual authors who have
made substantial impact on these discussions. Focus will also be on key figures including
Chinua Achebe from his esteemed work “Things Fall Apart” which redefined the portrayal of
African culture in literature. Moreover, discourses of Gayatri Chakrovorty Spivak will be
taken into account as they illustrate a particularly vivid portrayal of the concept and its
conceptualization of the subaltern voice within literary fiction.

Finally, the discussion will analyse the works of feminist scholars like Bell Hooks who have
made significant contributions to the intersectionality of politics and gender representation. In
so doing, the importance of reading from the perspective of the African female authorship
and its struggle against patriarchal structures can be understood. By interacting with the
insights of these scholars we hope to create a context where the role of “space” in African
literature would be viewed through an optic of larger political studies within African
literature as well as through the lens of the feminist theory lens. This will culminate in a
background that well prepares for a nuanced analysis of The Color Purple and Purple
Hibiscus.

Research Methodology

This study will utilise a qualitative research approach, employing close textual analysis of the
primary texts of The Color Purple and Purple Hibiscus to examine the spatial dimensions.
Apart from the texts, secondary sources like materials from the internet will also be made use
of.

Analysis

The proposed dissertation on "Artistry in Storytelling: Exploring the Role of various ‘spaces’
in the Works of African Female Authors with special reference to Alice Walker's The Color
Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus offers a rich and multifaceted
avenue for literary analysis within the broader context of African literature and feminist
discourse. The chosen topic holds significant relevance as it seeks to delve into the narrative
techniques utilised by African female authors, a demographic often underrepresented and
marginalised in mainstream literary discussions.

By focusing on the role of space in storytelling, the dissertation aims to unravel the
complexities of how physical, psychological, social, and cultural spaces are intricately woven
into the fabric of narrative construction, conveying deeper layers of meaning and enhancing
the reader's immersive experience. Both Alice Walker's
The Color Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus stand as seminal works
within African literature, renowned for their profound exploration of themes such as race,
gender, identity, and the socio-political landscape of their respective settings. The selection of
these two texts not only provides a rich tapestry of narratives to analyse but also allows for a
comparative examination of the ways in which space is utilised as a literary device by two
prominent African female authors.
Through this comparative lens, the dissertation aims to uncover the distinct narrative styles,
thematic explorations, and socio-cultural contexts within which Walker and Adichie operate,
while also identifying commonalities and divergences in their approaches to storytelling. By
delving into the intricacies of spatial representation within these works, the dissertation seeks
to contribute to broader discussions surrounding representation, identity politics, and cultural
heritage in literature, offering insights that extend beyond the confines of academic discourse
to resonate with wider societal concerns.

Conclusion

The proposed dissertation on "Artistry in Storytelling: Exploring the Role of Various ‘Spaces’
in the Works of African Female Authors with special reference to Alice Walker's The Color
Purple and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus holds significant promise for
contributing to the fields of literature, gender studies, and cultural studies.

By delving into the intricate narratives of these two iconic works, the dissertation aims to
uncover the multifaceted ways in which space is utilised as a literary device by African
female authors. Through a comparative analysis, it seeks to highlight the distinct narrative
styles and thematic explorations of Walker and Adichie, while also identifying commonalities
in their approaches to storytelling.

Overall, the proposed research has the potential to deepen our understanding of African
literature, feminist discourse, and the art of storytelling. It is hoped that the findings of this
study will not only enrich academic scholarship but also contribute to broader discussions
surrounding representation, identity, and cultural heritage in literature.