Purple Hibiscus Kambili

Throughout the novel, Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the main character’s role has a significant impact on her family and helps shape her identity as an individual. Many events occur that further demonstrate the position Kambili takes on within her chaotic family and the progression of her character. These are events that aid to the characterization of Kambili through the close-knit relationships with those around her. Based on these experiences, Kambili is the observer of the family who seeks to please everyone around her. Being an observer is a disadvantage for Kambili because she is not able to grow personality wise. Kambili is forced to abide to her father’s rules and cannot express herself the way she wants. Purple Hibiscus …show more content…
Coming from a family who is devoted to fulfilling God’s word precisely, requires her to be discrete. Many events show how even the smallest details catch her attention and amuse her. A prime example of Kambili’s personality is when she arrives to Aunty Ifeoma’s house and makes observations as illustrated,
I followed Amaka to her room, placing one frightened foot after the next. The cement floors were rough, did not let my feet glide over them the way the smooth marble floors back home did. (Adichie 116)
The kinesthetic imagery used when describing the differences in the floors, demonstrates the extent Kambili goes to when perceiving details. The floors at home are these even, marble floors that allow her to easily glide her feet over. On the other hand, Aunty Ifeoma’s jagged cement floors do not allow the effortless movement while walking. Due to Kambili’s shrewd insights, the readers see how being the family observer makes her see the class distinctions from her family. Having all the necessary items needed at home, forces her to not only respect the house rules but restrict her opinions and simply