Symbolism In Purple Hibiscus

In most pieces of literature, symbols and motifs are found. They can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel “Purple Hibiscus”, she uses this literary device of symbols and motifs to enrich the story. The symbols of religion, Mamas’ figurines and the purple hibiscus all help portray the fight between Papa’s abuse and freedom.
Religion serves as the right-hand man for Papa and his control over the family. Every year, Jaja and Kambili visit Papa Nnukwu for Christmas, and every year Papa reinforces the rules to them: “‘Kambili and Jaja, you will go this afternoon to your grandfather’s house and greet him. Kevin will take you. Remember, don’t touch any food, don’t drink anything. And, as
After talking about Jaja with Amaka, Kambili looks to see if he heard, and catches him engrossed in the TV with a familiar look: “He looked as though he had been lying there watching TV his whole life. It was the same way he looked in Aunty Ifeoma’s garden the next morning, as though it were something he had been doing for a long time rather than the few days we had been there” (142). The association between Jaja with the purple hibiscus, and his look of freedom while watching TV, is noticed by Kambili with great shock. Kambili’s astonishment makes it clear that the hibiscus is the only thing that allows Jaja to feel comfortable, and truly live. Although, the hibiscus will not only give Jaja hope of freedom, it too will give Mama and Kambili herself the same dream. Conversing with Jaja in jail, Kambili preaches a certain dream of hers: “‘We’ll plant new orange trees in Abba when we come back, and Jaja will plant purple hibiscus, too, and I’ll plant ixora so we can suck the juices of the flowers.’ I am laughing. I reach out and place my arm around Mama’s shoulder and she leans toward me and smiles. Above, clouds like dyed cotton wool hang low, so low I feel I can reach out and squeeze the moisture from them. The new rains will come down soon” (307). Once again, the purple hibiscus brings not only Jaja, but Kambili and Mama the hope of freedom. Moreover, thinking of the purple hibiscus, not only lets Kambili laugh, but extracts a smile from the figure who is impacted the most by Papa, Mama. Lastly, this hope occurs under the image of imminent rain. This new rain represents new flowers, and new hope that one day flowers and freedom will beautify Nigeria and out power the devastating cycle of