English - Purple hibiscus

• Kambili and Jaja both come of age in Purple Hibiscus as a result of their experiences.
• The book opens with Jaja rebelling against his devout Catholic father by skipping communion on Palm Sunday, an important religious holiday.
• The following chapters detail the events that culminate in Jaja’s defiance.
• The book is narrated by Kambili three years after this incident.
• Since she has been stunted by the severe punishments of her father, Kambili barely speaks.
• Her narration is striking because it can be concluded that she finds her own voice throughout this ordeal.
• Both Kambili and Jaja take steps towards adulthood by overcoming adversity and being exposed to new thoughts.
• Part of growing up is building your own identity by choosing which paths to follow.
• In Enugu, the only path Kambili and Jaja are allowed to follow is Papa.
• Papa writes out schedules and severely punishes them when they stray.
• When Kambili and Jaja visit their Aunty Ifeoma in Nsukka, they are astonished by what they find.
• Though her home is small and devoid of luxuries, there is love and respect.
• Her children Amaka and Obiora are allowed to question authority and choose their own paths.
• Obiora, though he is three years younger than Jaja, is articulate and protective.
• Obiora has been initiated into Igbo culture by performing a rite of manhood.
• Jaja was not allowed to participate and is ashamed that he is lagging behind his cousin.
• In Nsukka, Jaja is encouraged to rethink his allegiances and make his own decisions.
• Aunty Ifeoma encourages Kambili to reconsider her stance on Papa-Nnukwu.
• Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist who follows the rituals of his ancestors and believes in a pantheistic model of religion.
• Silence is a product of the abuse that Kambili endures at the hands of her father.
• When Kambili and Jaja arrive in Nsukka for Easter, Jaja refuses to speak to his father when he calls.
• When soldiers raid Aunty Ifeoma’s flat, they are trying to silence her sympathies with the rioting students through intimidation.
• Kambili and Jaja are both wise beyond their years and also not allowed to reach adulthood, as maturity often comes with questioning authority.
• Mama, like her daughter, cannot speak freely in her own home.
• Kambili and Jaja communicate through their eyes, not able to utter the ugly truth of their situation.
• Aunty Ifeoma encourages Kambili to defend herself and only then can Amaka and Kambili begin their friendship.
• Kambili begins to speak more confidently, laugh and even sing.
• Kambili is not allowed to dally after school lest she be late and beaten.
• Silence is also used as punishment.
• Kambili and Jaja are afraid of their father and choose the right path because they are afraid of the repercussions.
• Kambili does not allow herself to tell the truth about her situation at home.
• The titles of the second and fourth section are Speaking With Our Spirits and A Different Silence.
• Silence is a type of violence.
• Papa beats his wife and children each time he is provoked by an action that he deems immoral.
• Ade Coker jokes that his children are too quiet, Papa does not laugh.
• The government also silences Ade Coker by murdering him after he prints a damning story in the Standard.
• The personal becomes political, and vice versa.
• This takes a toll on Jaja especially, who is ashamed that he is so far behind Obiora in both intelligence and protecting his family.
• Kambili’s faith extends beyond the boundaries of one religion.
• She revels in the beauty of nature, her family, her prayer, and the Bible.