Theme Of Purple Hibiscus

A taste of freedom Adolescence can be a confusing time, but the addition of emotional abuse to this time can stunt mental and emotional development. The idea of living a life full of fear and abuse is one that is unimaginable for many, but for some it is their daily life. Living a life free and happy seems otherworldly to victims of abuse and it is impossible to understand this feeling until one has lived through it. In the novel Purple Hibiscus, the growth of Kambili from a nervous frightful child to a happy strong woman provides a complex coming of age story that illustrates the ability of humans to question authority in their quest for what is right. The story of Kambili starts simple as a child who is proud to have a father as strong

As Kambili explores the world of her Aunty, she discovers a man that embodies true love, not only the love of others, but the love of God himself shines through Father Amadi. Initially when confronted with unconditional love, an abused person such as Kambili is confused by the love they are receiving. As Kambili learns about Father Amadi she begins to “feel so many things churning inside” (267) her. She cannot grasp why the sight of him brings her so much joy, and even wishes to hold back her feelings because they are so different from the feelings her father evokes. She feels guilt for loving this life so much and knows her father would think her to be a heathen but she continues anyway. This great love shown to Kambili is what initially exposes her to a world in which people are happy and love is given freely. Joy in this world is responded to with more joy rather than a scolding. While living with her aunt, Kambili finds her voice and even the most magical part of all, her laughter. As a child her words always left a bitter taste in her mouth so she tended to stay quiet. She rarely spoke to other students because they all found her strange, but at Aunty Ifeoma’s she is free to roam and enjoy time in front of the television with her cousins. She develops a sense of responsibility as she

Kambili begins her life with her world “as measured and silent as our Sunday 's”(31) as she follows the strict guidelines set forth by her father. The grueling schedule of church and prayer on Sundays leaves no room for anything but structure and a cold impersonality to her religion. This authority allows her no room to make mistakes therefore no room to learn. This suffocating feeling forces her to escape the confines of her father’s grasp in order to feel her heart “revving like an engine” (104) which allows her to break through her restraints and find love with her Aunty Ifeoma and cousins. Her heart finds a way to have a voice of it’s own within her Aunty’s home and she finds that a boisterous life to be one that nurtures her growth. The stark contrast between the deafening silence of her father’s home and the joyful chatter of her Aunty’s home is one that makes Kambili crave a life outside of her father’s grasp. Although her methods of deceit are not advisable they show the strength of character in a person who is truly following their heart towards growth and happiness. As Kambili begins to defy her father’s strict rules, she begins to learn what it is like to experience the freedom of making one’s own choices. She like many humans becomes addicted to the joy that comes with choosing her own path while discovering what she considers to be