Control In Purple Hibiscus

Title: The Illusion of Control in "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Introduction: In "Purple Hibiscus," Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the theme of control and its effects on individuals and relationships. The novel follows the story of Kambili, a young girl living in Nigeria under the oppressive control of her father, Eugene. Through Kambili's experiences, Adichie illustrates how the illusion of control can lead to destructive behavior and damage the bonds between family members.

Body Paragraph 1: Eugene's strict control over Kambili and her brother, Jaja, demonstrates the dangers of the illusion of control. Eugene's religious zeal and obsession with perfectionism creates an oppressive environment for his family, where any misstep is met with violent punishment. As Kambili observes, "I wished he would hit me and get it over with, because the longer he waited, the harder it was" (Adichie 38). This quote shows how Eugene's control causes fear and anxiety for his children, demonstrating the harm that such rigid control can cause.

Kambili's struggles to find her own voice and identity are hindered by her father's control, as she is conditioned to follow his strict rules and expectations. This stifling of individuality ultimately leads to a lack of personal autonomy and difficulty in making choices for herself. As Kambili reflects, "I knew I was crying because of all the years of silence, of all the years of keeping things locked up inside me" (Adichie 284). This quote shows how Kambili's lack of agency and control over her own life has led to years of emotional suppression, highlighting the destructive impact of control on