Purple Hibiscus
Many teenagers struggle with their confidence level, causing them to refrain from speaking up - especially when they have a strong opinion. Kambili, the main character in Purple Hibiscus, struggles with voicing her opinion in and outside of her house. In the novel, Kambili transforms into a confident young lady due to the impact of three individuals. Kambili’s Aunty Ifeoma serves as a female role model, as she depicts her bold personality. Kambili’s cousin, Amaka constantly belittles Kambili, which ultimately leads Kambili to have the desire to change. Father Amadi, a priest, encourages Kambili to look at life in a different way. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Purple Hibiscus, Aunty Ifeoma, Father Amadi, and Amaka strongly influence
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Kambili is stunned by her Aunty Ifeoma, especially because Aunty Ifeoma is the first woman that Kambili sees who speaks her mind without worrying about any consequences. Adichie emphasizes the astonishment and admiration that Kambili has for Ifeoma, when Kambili sees her aunt and can “not tear [her] ears away. It [is] the fearlessness about [Aunty Ifeoma]” (76). Kambili has never experienced being in the same environment as someone who is so true to herself, which initially evokes her renewal. Not only does Aunty Ifeoma stand as a role model for Kambili, but also she teaches her an important lesson: how to speak up for herself. When Amaka insults Kambili, Aunty Ifeoma instantly advises Kambili to “talk back to her!” (170). Aunty Ifeoma’s confrontation to Kambili regarding her speaking up for herself, affects her greatly, as it is the first piece of advice that Kambili receives involving the action of defending herself. Moreover, Aunty Ifeoma advocates for Kambili to stand up for herself and overthrow Papa’s strict regime, such as when Aunty Ifeoma seizes the schedule that Papa gave the children. Ifeoma displays a strength to her that Kambili has never witnessed due to her mother’s fear of Papa. Aunty Ifeoma molds Kambili into an independent young lady, but without Amaka’s stubbornness towards Kambili she would not have the opportunity to display her
Kambili is stunned by her Aunty Ifeoma, especially because Aunty Ifeoma is the first woman that Kambili sees who speaks her mind without worrying about any consequences. Adichie emphasizes the astonishment and admiration that Kambili has for Ifeoma, when Kambili sees her aunt and can “not tear [her] ears away. It [is] the fearlessness about [Aunty Ifeoma]” (76). Kambili has never experienced being in the same environment as someone who is so true to herself, which initially evokes her renewal. Not only does Aunty Ifeoma stand as a role model for Kambili, but also she teaches her an important lesson: how to speak up for herself. When Amaka insults Kambili, Aunty Ifeoma instantly advises Kambili to “talk back to her!” (170). Aunty Ifeoma’s confrontation to Kambili regarding her speaking up for herself, affects her greatly, as it is the first piece of advice that Kambili receives involving the action of defending herself. Moreover, Aunty Ifeoma advocates for Kambili to stand up for herself and overthrow Papa’s strict regime, such as when Aunty Ifeoma seizes the schedule that Papa gave the children. Ifeoma displays a strength to her that Kambili has never witnessed due to her mother’s fear of Papa. Aunty Ifeoma molds Kambili into an independent young lady, but without Amaka’s stubbornness towards Kambili she would not have the opportunity to display her