purple hibiscus

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Cards (52)

  • She describes he father eugene as a wealthy man and a devout catholic, whose fervent belief manifests itself in violent and cruel ways as he distributes physical and phycological punishments for the perceived sins of Kambili, her brother jaja and her mother   
  • Kambili is sent to live with her aunt nnu egwu (agwu) who lives in nsukka, where she experiences freedom from her oppressive home life.
  • The novel explores themes such as religion, politics, family relationships, identity, gender roles, sexuality, class, race, colonialism, postcolonialism, and cultural heritage.
  • the novel also touches on issues like corruption, political violence, human rights abuses, and social inequality.
  • Adichie uses various literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, foreshadowing, irony, metaphor, allusion, and allegory to convey these themes.
  • Purple Hibiscus is set against the backdrop of Nigeria's struggle for independence from British rule and its subsequent transition into an independent nation.
  • Adichie uses vivid imagery, symbolic language, and metaphors throughout the novel to convey its themes and messages.
  • The title "Purple Hibiscus" refers to both the flower that grows abundantly in Nigeria and the color associated with it, which represents beauty, strength, and resilience.
  • The protagonist's name, Kambili Achike, means "one who carries the burden," reflecting her struggles and challenges throughout the story.
  • The title Purple Hibiscus refers to the flower that Kambili sees blooming outside her aunt's house in Nsukka, which represents beauty, resilience, and hope amidst adversity.
  • The color purple has multiple meanings in the novel, representing both royalty and mourning.
  • The character of Eugene Ezeulu embodies the theme of resistance against oppression through his refusal to pay taxes or participate in elections.
  • Eugene is deeply committed to his Catholic faith but also holds strong beliefs about traditional Nigerian culture and values.
  • Kambili's father, Eugene, is a wealthy businessman who has converted his home into a shrine-like space filled with religious artifacts and symbols.
  • Kambili's father, Eugene, is named after St. Augustine, highlighting his religious fervor and strict adherence to Catholic doctrine.
  • Eugene's nickname, Papa-Ngezi (butterfly), reflects his transformation from a humble man to one consumed by power and control.
  • Kambili's father, Eugene, is portrayed as a powerful figure who wields his authority over his family through fear and intimidation.
  • Eugene's strict Catholic beliefs are reflected in his actions towards his wife and children, including physical abuse and emotional manipulation.
  • Kambili's father, Eugene, is a wealthy businessman who controls his family through fear and intimidation.
  • Eugene's strict Catholic beliefs are reflected in his harsh discipline and intolerance towards other religions.
  • Eugene's character serves as a representation of the corrupt political system in Nigeria during the time period depicted in the novel.
  • Eugene's relationship with his wife, Beatrice, is strained due to their different personalities and values.
  • Kambili's father is portrayed as an authoritarian figure who suppresses freedom of expression and individuality among his family members.
  • The use of religious symbols such as the cross and the Bible highlights the role of religion in Nigerian society and its impact on individuals like Kambili.
  • Jaja rebels against both his father and his faith by refusing to take communion at palm Sunday mass, publicly shaming papa, who is seen as a pillar of the church and community. Kambili is in a state of shock as her brother compounds his transgression by openly defying his father and explaining his actions in terms his father finds blasphemous.
  • Papa is at fault for the miscarriages, but the people of their community all blame mama, and try to convince papa to have children with someone else. Papas family praise him for not leaving them.
  • Papa is very strict and controlling over everything in his house, including what they eat and how much they can talk or laugh.
  • Papa is a devout Catholic and uses his wealth and influence to control the local church and spread his beliefs.