Purple Hibiscus

Family, protection, freedom, and death are all main themes of the book Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The painting itself symbolizes these themes. This painting is Kambili’s connection to her extended family. In essence, it is keeping Kambili’s grandfather alive to her, someone she didn't get to love and care for as much as she wanted. In Kambili’s mind, when Papa rips this up, it is the official death of her grandfather. During this whole ordeal, Jaja does not protect his sister. This was the last time he did not protect a family member. This incident was his breaking point, and he realizes he needs to protect his family. This painting was the point when Kambili changed her behavior. It opened her eyes, and even she began to rebel on a minor level. The painting showed what was important to Kambili and Jaja, and how it came crashing down with death; only to be restored by another death.

The painting had a great significance to Kambili and Jaja. Both Jaja and Kambili saw important life lessons in the painting. The obvious lesson they saw in the painting was family. Aunt Ifeoma had recently opened their eyes to the importance of family. They learned that there is a difference between respecting your elders and goofing around with them. They learned this after Obiora is scolded by his mom saying “I do not raise disrespectful children in this house, do you hear me? […] I will not tolerate this rubbish from you.’” (245).The most important lesson they learned about family is that even the adult can be blamed for something when their Aunt is blamed for being connected to the protests. In the beginning of the book, Kambili thought her Dad was perfect and always right. “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. (10)”goes to show that Kambili and her dad were not equals.

The painting of their grandfather also showed them freedom. Their grandfather was made out to be a...