Half of a Yellow Sun

Techniques Employed in Half of a Yellow Sun Literary Technique and Associated Theme | Explanation | Example | Abrogation-Marginalization-Alien’s Perspective | The author uses a character to explore a cultural background to gain credibility to belittling that very same culture. In HOYS, Adichie uses Ugwu to undertake an exploration in to the British rule to be able to point out the flaws in their imperialistic influence on Nigeria. | * Pg. 11 – There are two answers to the things they will teach you about our land: the real answer and the answer you will give in school to pass. * “The World Was Silent When We Died” – The book Ugwu writes dictating the war clearly represents the author’s use of him to point out the flaws of the time, achieving her aim as a 3rd gen. Nigerian novelist. | Time Lapse | By reflecting the chaotic nature of the war in the structure of the novel, the reader experiences the trauma of war through the shifts in the narrative time. | When the reader is unable to explain aspects of plot when there is a change in the time period, they face a certain irritation that induces a subconscious trauma. These changes include; the appearance of Baby, the enhanced conflict between Olanna and Kainene, Richard’s sudden distancing from the other characters. | Imagery | With the war, casualties are expected to be present. However, the ways in which they are portrayed clearly enhance their emotional impact. | * “She saw a little girl’s head…” Pg. 149 * “Pregnant woman sliced open…” * “Lay face down in an ungainly twist, legs splayed.” * “Nnaemeka’s chest blew open.” * “The thick, ugly odors of unwashed bodies and rotting flesh from the shallow graves behind the buildings grew stronger.” * Pg. 390 – There is a list of all the possible ways in which the refugees’ attempts of survival have been thwarted; crops failing, kwashiorkor, no doctor and children dying. * “You know the Europeans took out the insides of an African woman and