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Purple Hibiscus, Random - Coggle Diagram
Purple Hibiscus
CHARACTERS
Obiora
Obiora is an interesting character because of how Kambili compares herself to him. They are very close in age, with Kambili being older. Yet, she views him as much more bold than herself. He is seen to have such free thought, responses and independence. Obiora, like the other cousins, act to contrast their lives to that of Jaja and Kambili. They give the two something to aspire to and understand.
Kambili
Kambili is the narrator. She is a 15-year-old living with her parents . The story is understood through her perspective. Throughout the story we see her grow and gain a sense of understanding. She contrasts herself to her family members, providing an interesting dynamic for the reader to understand.
Kambili is heavily influenced by her father. He abuses her and the rest of the family. Kambili sees him like a god figure. This impacts the way she views religion. Her perception of religion changes throughout the story.
Aunty Ifeoma
Aunt Ifeoma is Kambili and Jaja's Aunt. Aunty Ifeoma is Eugene's sister. She provides Kambili and Jaja a completely different life in Nasusuka. Ifeoma believes in her children, nurtures their interest and loves theme. Her parenting is very different from that of Eugene’s. This contrast gives Kambili a different understanding of what a parent is like and what a parental relationship should be.
THEMES & MOTIFS
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Nature
Nature and weather acts as a motif throughout the story through their correspondence to the moods. When at her aunt's house, Kambili describes the weather more pleasantly (indicating her mood)
Purple Hibiscus
The purple hibiscus serves as a metaphor for the new possibilities Kambili and Jaja are experiencing. The purple hibiscus is an unnatural byproduct from just exploration, something Kambili and Jaja have struggled to attain.
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KEY EVENTS
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Jaja fights with Papa
Jaja has changed. Papa's control cannot control this changed Jaja. He no longer has control. He is physically declining, and this has allowed for Jaja to gain power. (pg 261)
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Connections
The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970 was a civil war fought between the Nigerian government and the Republic of Biafra. “Biafra represented the nationalist aspirations of the Igbo ethnic group, whose leadership felt they could no longer coexist with the federal government dominated by the interests of the Muslim Hausa-Fulanis of northern Nigeria.” (Wikipedia)
While the story’s worldly events are not at the forefront of the plot, they still have importance. Political conflict and tension mimic the family’s tension. Additionally, the civil war has impacts characters, specifically Eugene’s newspaper. The threats received towards, and ultimate death of Ade Coker, impact Eugene specifically. This event begins Eugene’s physical and mental degradation through Kambili’s perspective.
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