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How Is Kambili Silenced

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Throughout the novel of Purple Hibiscus written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kambili is constantly being silenced by her father and is therefore unable to find her voice. Kambili is constantly living in fear of her father and everything she does and says, she always has his opinion in mind. She is not allowed to have her own opinion and therefore doesn't really know who she is. Kambili is shaking of fear when her father asks her; "what are you doing Kambili? I swallowed hard. I... I..."(101).Eugene's harsh, stern voice made it even harder for Kambili to answer him. She didn't want to face the fact that she had disappointed him. Kambili let her mother and brother answer for her, she wasn't able to answer for herself. Kambili feared her answer …show more content…

Kambili gets to experience a different life when she stays at her aunt's. She is able to live freely and doesn't have to follow her strict and boring schedule. She notices that her cousin Amaka is able to speak to adults without stuttering or being afraid that what she is saying might be wrong or offensive. Kambili learns to speak up for herself through her cousin Amaka. Although Amaka's comments towards Kambili are harsh it makes her develop a confidence that is lost when she is around her father. The readers see a breakthrough for Kambili when she says to Amaka; "You don't have to shout Amaka, I said finally. I don't know how to do the orah leaves but you can show me"(170). At the time Kambili didn't even realize what she was saying or doing. She was in shock that she was able to talk back without a stutter or a cough. From this point forward Amaka respected Kambili more and they were able to form a lasting friendship. Kambili speaking up to Amaka was a huge turning point in the novel and more importantly for Kambili, every word that came out of her mouth was one step closer to Kambili finding her

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