Purple Hibiscus Study Guide

Purple Hibiscus Summary

Purple Hibiscus takes place in Enugu, a city in post-colonial Nigeria, and is narrated by the main character, Kambili Achike. Kambili lives with her older brother Jaja (Chukwuku Achike), a teenager who, like his sister, excels at school but is withdrawn and sullen. Kambili’s father, Papa (Eugene Achike) is a strict authoritarian whose strict adherence to Catholicism overshadows his paternal love. He punishes his wife, Mama (Beatrice Achike), and his children when they fail to live up to his impossibly high standards.

The novel begins on Palm Sunday. Jaja has refused to go to church and receive communion. Because Jaja has no reasonable excuse for missing church, Papa throws his missal at his son. The book hits a shelf containing his wife’s…

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Recent Questions for Purple Hibiscus

Posted By deja m #252969 at May 25, 2012 6:09 PM

What is the relationship between culture and conflict in Purple Hibiscus?

i need quotes with page numbers , and i need evidence to support my claim that colonialism affects the way Kambili and Jaja percieve the outside world.

Purple Hibiscus | Answers: 0

Posted By tahzeeb g #192567 at Jul 12, 2011 12:10 PM

In Purple Hibiscus, would you regard Papa as a monster?

Was he trying to get his family to be better humans but going about it the wrong way or was he just a nasty human being?

Purple Hibiscus | Answers: 1

Posted By emily s #242761 at Apr 11, 2012 4:52 PM

what is the most significant aspect of Aunty Ifeoma and her brothers relationship for Kambili?

bulet points

Purple Hibiscus | Answers: 1