Themes of migration and identity are central to the works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. In Americanah, for instance, the protagonist Ifemelu navigates the complexities of race in America, while in Purple Hibiscus, the character Kambili ______ a coming-of-age journey amidst the political turmoil of post-colonial Nigeria.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
experienced
had experienced
experiences
will be experiencing
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The convention of Standard English requires the use of the simple present tense when describing the plot, characters, or events of a literary work (the "literary present"). The verb "navigates" in the first clause is in the simple present tense; to maintain parallel structure, the verb describing Kambili should also be in the simple present tense. "Experiences" is the correct form.