Throughout Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie, expectations become not only a defining feature of individuals but also a mold for character development. Society instills its expectations of how people should act from a young age, defining a person's mannerisms, values, and personality. Each generation continues to spread this cycle of societal guidelines. Society tends to ignore the individual in favor of idyllic images and responsibilities people abide by.
Family is often the cause of social self-consciousness. Parents can become forceful when trying to abide by societal guidelines. When Papa threw the missal at Jaja, "It . . . swept the beige, finger-size ceramic figurines of ballet dancers in various contorted postures to the hard floor …show more content…
Communities particularly rely on charismatic figures. When Eugene attends church in Abba, "He led the way out of the hall, smiling and waving at the many hands that reached out to grasp his white tunic as if touching him would heal them of an illness" (90-91). The white tunic and healing touch emphasize his role as the provider for his community due to his charismatic and holy appearance. His guidance of these people alludes to Moses' parting of the Red Sea and reinforces his standing within the community. Society is often more judgmental towards these people with higher standings than the average person for being actionless. Jaja reproaches Kambili's continuing faith in God as "His expression reminded [her] of the old looks Amaka used to give [her], that made [her] feel sorry for [something she] was not sure of" (259). Amaka blames Kambilli for her ignorance because of her resources without consideration for her circumstances. In terms of judgment people tend to make unfair assumptions. Before Ifeoma leaves she "gave some clothes to the neighbors, [and] the woman from upstairs told her, 'Mh, why won't you give me that blue dress you wear to church? After all, you will get more in America!'" (283). The woman is a representative of the public whom assumes that America has a ton of opportunities for them which is situational irony. Her blue dress symbolizes her somewhat higher status in society while emphasizing the lack of self-responsibility among the common people as they expect others to sacrifice. Society often forms prejudices against people society deems more capable than others while disregarding their personal
Family is often the cause of social self-consciousness. Parents can become forceful when trying to abide by societal guidelines. When Papa threw the missal at Jaja, "It . . . swept the beige, finger-size ceramic figurines of ballet dancers in various contorted postures to the hard floor …show more content…
Communities particularly rely on charismatic figures. When Eugene attends church in Abba, "He led the way out of the hall, smiling and waving at the many hands that reached out to grasp his white tunic as if touching him would heal them of an illness" (90-91). The white tunic and healing touch emphasize his role as the provider for his community due to his charismatic and holy appearance. His guidance of these people alludes to Moses' parting of the Red Sea and reinforces his standing within the community. Society is often more judgmental towards these people with higher standings than the average person for being actionless. Jaja reproaches Kambili's continuing faith in God as "His expression reminded [her] of the old looks Amaka used to give [her], that made [her] feel sorry for [something she] was not sure of" (259). Amaka blames Kambilli for her ignorance because of her resources without consideration for her circumstances. In terms of judgment people tend to make unfair assumptions. Before Ifeoma leaves she "gave some clothes to the neighbors, [and] the woman from upstairs told her, 'Mh, why won't you give me that blue dress you wear to church? After all, you will get more in America!'" (283). The woman is a representative of the public whom assumes that America has a ton of opportunities for them which is situational irony. Her blue dress symbolizes her somewhat higher status in society while emphasizing the lack of self-responsibility among the common people as they expect others to sacrifice. Society often forms prejudices against people society deems more capable than others while disregarding their personal