Purple Hibiscus Quotes

The Greek dramatist Sophocles states, “When a man has lost all happiness, he’s not alive. Call him a breathing corpse.” This quote recounts Kambili journey, the main character in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel, Purple Hibiscus. This tragic novel tells the life of a teenage girl who comes to understand herself and her surroundings. As Kambili starts to grasp reality, she becomes more observant to those around her- the difference between pain and happiness, and who causes it.

Eguene Achike, Kambili’s father, is a man of God as a follower of the Catholic Church. He is a righteous man but has caused his relationships with his family members to become unstable. In this case, Kambili’s father is her sun, her entire life and personality rotate

Hurting Kambili and her older brother Jaja, including their mother. In the beginning of the book, it is shown that Eugene has taken a toll on those around him, to the point they’re afraid to speak the truth. “I meant to say I am sorry that Papa broke your figurines, but the words that came out were, ‘I’m sorry your figurines broke, Mama.’” As a victim of physical violence from one's father, Kambil grows the fear of speaking the truth. All of what she wants to say is translated into what she’s “supposed” to say. If Kambili wasn’t the narrator of the book, it would be impossible to know what Kambili really feels. The Achike family understands that they're keeping a family secret- the one centered around Eugene.Papa Eugene is also a representative of contradictions. He is praised for his generosity, whether it be because of charity, or religion, or simply good morals. He has a high political standing and has given to all that need. However, in his own home, he refuses to provide his family a

As the story unfolds, Kambili and Jaja, her older brother, begin to question their father's authority and the rigid beliefs he imposes on them. They are influenced by their aunt Ifeoma, a university professor who encourages them to think critically and explore new ideas. “It was the flippant tone; she did not seem to recognise that it was Papa” Aunty Ifeoma has pushed Kambili and her brother into a new kind of thinking. Because Kambili idolizes and fears her father, she gained negative for anything that affects him. After Aunty Ifeoma starts to realize how horribly Eugene treated his family, she felt responsible to try and get them out. “This cannot go on…When a house is on fire, you run out before the roof collapses on your head.” Aunty Ifeoma is saying Kambili is allowing herself to ignore the situation. Kambili, who hasn’t had time to experience anything but fear in her life, still refuses to believe. As one of her closer relatives, Aunty Ifeoma is of interest to Kambili. Kambili observes her and her children, comparing their relationship dynamics in her family to theirs. Papa Nnukwu, the father of both Eugene and Aunty Ifeoma is another significant model for