Purple Hibiscus Quotes

Throughout history, diverse cultural norms have evolved tremendously to a distinguished level that has hindered the way of life. The interplay between nature and nurture is especially crucial in shaping an individual's development, from infancy to adolescence. While nature refers to the environment that influences our social relationships, nurture pertains to genetic attributes, including disorders. In her novel, Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie skillfully employs indirect characterization through Eguene's abusive behavior towards his children to highlight how diverse cultural norms in post-colonial African society can impede personal growth in oppressed children. Kambili’s and Jaja's traumatic experiences with their father have made

Through subtle cues such as his controlling behavior towards his family and his hypocritical religious beliefs, Adichie reveals Eugene's true character as a flawed and morally bankrupt person. By employing this technique, Adichie effectively highlights the damaging effects of toxic masculinity and the insidious nature of hypocrisy in society. To portray Eugene as this toxic individual, Adichie utilizes his abusive actions towards his children. For instance, when Kambili breaks her fast before mass due to her period symptoms, Eugene punishes her with physical abuse, showing his narrow-mindedness and failure to acknowledge his flaws. As he continues to physically hit Kambili, he yells, "Did the belt hurt you? Did it break your skin?" (Adichie 102). While Eugene primarily focuses on Kambili's flaws as a sinner by breaking her fast, he fails to acknowledge his actions, including the physical abuse he inflicted upon her. Thus, his characterization as an abusive father plays a significant role in the lives of his family by having high expectations for perfection in his household and forcing unconditional

For example, Eugene’s abusive behavior interplays with the character developments of his children throughout the novel. Kambili and Jaja's inner personality has evolved tremendously once they were given an opportunity to explore their aunt Ifeoma’s culture. However, their father’s abusive actions and advocate for themselves, they had to experience this opportunity. For instance, Kambili began developing new interests in men, chanting patrotically with family members, and becoming an overall teenager. Jaja realized his potential and viewed his interests in certain projects. Both siblings initially conform to their father Eugene's strict adherence to traditional Nigerian cultural values, but they eventually find their own voices and reject his control. Kambili's character development is a gradual process, starting with small acts of rebellion, such as secretly listening to secular music and daring to question her father's teachings. These acts of resistance allow her to find her own voice and assert her own beliefs. For example, when her father forces her to get an abortion, Kambili refuses and asserts her autonomy, stating "I cannot do that. I want the baby" (Adichie 158). This is a pivotal moment in Kambili's journey towards self-discovery, as she defies her father's expectations and takes control of her own life. In contrast, Jaja's rebellion