Oppression In Purple Hibiscus

In Purple Hibiscus, Adichie explores the intricacies of fifteen year old Kambili’s life as she is forced to deal with the reality of her father’s oppression when placed in contrast with the freedom and joy of her cousins’ lifestyle. Papa, a mimic-man of colonialism, ashamed of his past and now fearful of insubordination requires perfection from his family. Kambili lived to please her father, and was ashamed if she let him down in any way. “I wanted to make Papa proud, to do as well as he had done... I needed him to smile at me, in that way that lit up his face, that warmed something inside me. But I had come second. I was stained by failure”(39). Initially, this seems to reflect normal feelings that little girls have for their fathers: a view

His expectations for her are abusive as they are unrealistic and rob her of any sort of freedom. Papa issues them a strict schedule which outlines what they are to do with each hour of the day. If the schedule or a rule is broken Kambili and her family are physically beat by Papa (102). Kambili and her brother Jaja are expected to come first in their class each semester at school (39). Papa twists religious references to justify his expectations and emotionally manipulate Kambili. Upset with Kambili for placing second in her class, Papa says, “Why do you think I work so hard to give you and Jaja the best? You have to do something with all these privileges. Because God has given you much, he expects much from you. He expects perfection” (47). Kambili’s words must be well thought out, not to reflect her opinions, but to please her father

Aunty Ifeoma and her children are not so influenced by the Western Culture. They can appreciate their culture while still practicing Catholicism. They are educated to genuinely think for themselves: asking questions, developing opinions, and enjoying conversation with one another. Conversely, Papa is consumed with keeping up an appearance of perfection in the eyes of Western Culture. He insists on speaking English and abhors all things related to his native culture. His standards of perfection for his family are instituted out of a place of personal shame and a fear of