Eugene Killer Essay

Grade 11: Purple Hibiscus Literature Essay

Topic 2:

Eugene: Killer or Nurturer

By Kgosi Majatladi In the novel Purple Hibiscus Kambili’s father, Eugene is complex and compelling, he is not simply the antagonist. What will be discussed is, Eugene’s public persona. Eugene and his family’s home life and how that shows a very different side to him. I will also discuss Eugene’s manipulative personality.

Eugene is very multi-faceted and manages to play each role in his life very well and very convincingly. To the public Eugene is seen as generous and kind. Throughout the novel his generosity is displayed and he is put in high regard. He is treated almost as a god like figure, he supports anybody he can. Papa was also praised for the way he had

You should not see sin and walk right into it.” He lowered the kettle into the tub, tilted it toward my feet. He poured the hot water on my feet, slowly, as if he were conducting an experiment and wanted to see what would happen. He was crying now, tears streaming down his face…”. His tears were not sincere but only to make his family believe that it pained him too. Eugene is not only putting up a façade for the public but for his family in order to fool them. A prime example of this is Kambili, despite Papa’s actions she still looks up to him, he is her king and he will never defy him even if it is for the good, to quote Aunty Ifeoma, “ Defiance is like marijuana—it is not a bad thing when it is used right.”, Papa has made sure that no one question’s him when he is in the wrong. ”Swift, heavy thuds on my parents’ hand carved bedroom door. I imagined it had gotten stuck and Papa was trying to open it. If I had imagined hard enough then it would be true…Mama was sung over his shoulder…”There’s blood on the floor”, Jaja said. ”I’ll get the brush from the bathroom.”. The previous quote indicates a quite nonchalant reaction to a serious and even quite terrifying incident which shows that this is a routine and it will not be discussed or fought