The novel Purple Hibiscus, written by Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is not only her first ever book that she has written but has also received the most critical attention since its publication in 2004. In this essay I would like to discuss the roles that the cousins play in Kambili and Jaja’s lives and more precisely discuss what and how the actions has impacted on their lives. The main character, Kambili is the narrator of this novel. She narrates it in a very basic and generalized way. The reason for Kambili being a very quiet and silent person is due to her father’s prominent views and strict rules. Kambili and her brother both follow a schedule given to them by their father and have to obey every rule of his and live under his abusive roof.
In the novel, Adichie portrays two completely contrasting families and households. The atmosphere which Kambili and Jaja is raised in contributes drastically to the introverted personalities of both of them, whereas in Ifeoma’s house, the children’s personality differs completely. “We always spoke with purpose back home, especially at the table, but my cousins seemed to simply speak and speak and speak” (Kambili, 120). Kambili and …show more content…
However, Chima has a very playful and free-spirited nature which influences Kambili and Jaja in a way where they realize that being happy and experiencing freedom is a better way to live life. He is always playing outside, just like a normal child should and this inspires a change in Kambili and Jaja to be more carefree. All these events and actions brought about the cousins has shown a significant change in personality of Kambili and Jaja. Kambili is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself, rather than living in silence. Jaja has become more independent and has matured throughout the novel taking up the man figure in the
In the novel, Adichie portrays two completely contrasting families and households. The atmosphere which Kambili and Jaja is raised in contributes drastically to the introverted personalities of both of them, whereas in Ifeoma’s house, the children’s personality differs completely. “We always spoke with purpose back home, especially at the table, but my cousins seemed to simply speak and speak and speak” (Kambili, 120). Kambili and …show more content…
However, Chima has a very playful and free-spirited nature which influences Kambili and Jaja in a way where they realize that being happy and experiencing freedom is a better way to live life. He is always playing outside, just like a normal child should and this inspires a change in Kambili and Jaja to be more carefree. All these events and actions brought about the cousins has shown a significant change in personality of Kambili and Jaja. Kambili is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for herself, rather than living in silence. Jaja has become more independent and has matured throughout the novel taking up the man figure in the