Theme Essay
In the novel Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Adichie illustrates the impact and role religion can have on one’s identity. In Purple Hibiscus, Adichie uses characterization and direct statements to implement the theme of religion and identity.
The presence of religion in certain characters’ life strictly defines them and can affect them in a negative way. Papa Eugene is a character that embodies the extreme impact that religion can have on one’s thoughts and actions. After Kambili and Jaja return from visiting their Aunt Ifeoma’s house, Papa Eugene becomes disappointed in his kids because he deemed being in the same house as a “heathen” like Papa Nnukwu was a sin (Adichie 194). He then decides to pour scalding hot water on their feet. Papa Eugene explains to Kambili, “You should not see sin and walk right into it” (Adichie 194). Later Papa Eugene explains to Kambili, “Everything I do, I do for your own good” (Adichie 196). This punishment that Papa Eugen places on his children comes directly from his fear of sinning and need to follow his faith. He was afraid that his children would become more and more sinful, so his response is to beat them. In Papa’s mind, beating them has justification because he sees his …show more content…
Jaja is seventeen years old and the older brother of Kambili. On the outside Jaja is tall and dark-skinned. His shoulders are later described as being broad. This description of him comes during the time that he is questioning and defying Papa. When his shoulders broaden it’s a sign that he is more confident and he is growing up. Jaja is also very neat; he won the neatest boy of his year last year. Personality wise, Jaja has a questioning mentality and slowly starts to challenge the expectations that Papa has for him. His unique personality gives Jaja an important sense of motivation in the
In the novel Purple Hibiscus, Chimamanda Adichie illustrates the impact and role religion can have on one’s identity. In Purple Hibiscus, Adichie uses characterization and direct statements to implement the theme of religion and identity.
The presence of religion in certain characters’ life strictly defines them and can affect them in a negative way. Papa Eugene is a character that embodies the extreme impact that religion can have on one’s thoughts and actions. After Kambili and Jaja return from visiting their Aunt Ifeoma’s house, Papa Eugene becomes disappointed in his kids because he deemed being in the same house as a “heathen” like Papa Nnukwu was a sin (Adichie 194). He then decides to pour scalding hot water on their feet. Papa Eugene explains to Kambili, “You should not see sin and walk right into it” (Adichie 194). Later Papa Eugene explains to Kambili, “Everything I do, I do for your own good” (Adichie 196). This punishment that Papa Eugen places on his children comes directly from his fear of sinning and need to follow his faith. He was afraid that his children would become more and more sinful, so his response is to beat them. In Papa’s mind, beating them has justification because he sees his …show more content…
Jaja is seventeen years old and the older brother of Kambili. On the outside Jaja is tall and dark-skinned. His shoulders are later described as being broad. This description of him comes during the time that he is questioning and defying Papa. When his shoulders broaden it’s a sign that he is more confident and he is growing up. Jaja is also very neat; he won the neatest boy of his year last year. Personality wise, Jaja has a questioning mentality and slowly starts to challenge the expectations that Papa has for him. His unique personality gives Jaja an important sense of motivation in the