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Growing My Hair Again Thesis

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The Symbol of Power Power can be defined as the ability to do something in a particular way with great quality. When thinking of power, there are things that symbolize this overall idea, such as characteristics, attributes, and achievements. Being able to overcome challenging situations and thrive within them is a symbol of power. In the two short stories titled “Growing my Hair Again" by Chika Unigwe, as well as “Leng Lui Is for Pretty Lady” by Elaine Chiew, the women Nneka and Alina symbolize power. These two women were both well-educated, beautiful modern women that were placed in the position of caregivers and oppressed by dominant females. However, being treated unequally and unappreciated as they were, these women used their knowledge …show more content…

Having the ability to control others allowed these oppressors to experience power within themselves. Nneka and Alina being subjected to abuse eventually structured their overall character development. Both women were the full package, in return this caused other females’ insecurities and jealousy to conspire against these women. In the story “Growing My Hair Again” portrayed multiple concepts, including freedom, independence, as well as power. Nneka’s hair was something that could not be controlled, symbolizing the freedom her hair portrayed. Having shaven hair, Nneka felt she was still being controlled by her husband and mother-in-law. However, Nneka regrowing her hair symbolized the new independence in her life. In the story “Leng Lui Is for Pretty Lady” also portrayed multiple concepts, being independence, as well as power. Alina overcoming abuse and becoming the glue for the family, helped her achieve a new life for herself, no longer being subjected to the abuse she once faced. Alina was needed by the Kong family to maintain a stable family, being this glue for the family symbolized the power that Alina had even over her oppressors. Nneka and Alina are both women who symbolize power. Both women used their difficult lifestyles and circumstances to escape the oppression they constantly faced. Having to withstand this turmoil paved a way for Nneka and Alina to blossom and grow as empowered women. Although these stories provided different content within them, they both symbolized the key factor overall being power. Power was used to control and manipulate these women and overall belittle them. Although this was the case, both women used their brains, capabilities, and willpower to turn the tables of their oppressors. This factor made these women a symbol of

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