“Purple Hibiscus” is a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie that explores the story of Kambili Achike, a young girl growing up in Nigeria. Kambili’s family is wealthy but is dominated by her father, Eugene, an extremely religious and oppressive figure. Eugene is both respected in the community and feared within his own household. Kambili and her brother, Jaja, endure physical and emotional abuse at the hands of their father, who is driven by his rigid interpretation of Catholicism. The family dynamics start to change when Kambili and Jaja visit their aunt, Ifeoma, and her
family. In this more liberal and open environment, Kambili experiences a different way of life and begins to question her father’s authority. As political turmoil escalates in Nigeria, Eugene’s strict control over the family increases. The novel explores themes of family, religion, politics, and the impact of colonialism on Nigerian society. Kambili’s journey involves a struggle for self-discovery and autonomy as she navigates the complexities of her family dynamics and the broader social context. As the narrative unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the family faces a crisis that forces Kambili to confront the realities of her father’s actions. The story has a strong exploration of the effects of abuse, the search for identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. “Purple Hibiscus” is a powerful novel that delves into the complexities of Nigerian society while also portraying the theme of personal growth and the act of taking responsibility.
In “Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Kambili takes responsibility by gradually breaking free from the oppressive influence of her father, Eugene, who is a strict and abusive figure. Her pursuit involves finding her own voice and identity, challenging the rigid rules imposed by her father, and embracing love and freedom. However, this pursuit also involves compromises, as
Kambili must navigate the complexities of family loyalty and the impact of her father’s actions on her relationships. As the novel progresses Kambili’s relationship with her Aunt and cousins strengthens as she experiences true love and companionship. When she got out of her father’s control for a few days, she started to have a slow change in her voice too. In the beginning of her cousin and Aunt’s encounter, she was quiet and shy. Later on Kambili’s aunt pushed Kambali to talk back saying “ Kamabili, have you no mouth? Talk back to her” This is a significant step in breaking free from the silence imposed by her oppressive father.
Additionally, when she is back from her aunt’s home, Kabili begins to experience a prominent shift in her personality as she starts to grow a sense of responsibility. Prior to visiting, she was incredibly unsociable and often suppressed her own thoughts and desires. However, upon return she begins to develop a unique
personality and worries less about the consequences that may face her. She begins to take more risks, doing things that she previously would not have even fathomed pursuing in fear of her dad’s disapproval such as bringing home a painting of her grandfather who is a heathen. She allows her personality to blossom like the purple hibiscus flower which symbolizes freedom. Kambali evolves into a young woman by recognizing the importance of personal responsibility in shaping her identity and future.



about this new discovery. However, when he re-enters the cave, he is blinded by its darkness as he has gotten used to the natural sunlight. The chained prisoners see this blindness and believe they too will be harmed if they attempt to leave the cave. Ultimately, the Allegory of the Cave by Plato serves as a powerful metaphor for the journey of conformity, enlightenment, and the importance of questioning the limits of our perception.
there were moments when I questioned the world of social media. Similar to the prisoner who glimpses a world of truth, I began to realize the reality of the digital realm. The carefully crafted reels and the constant need for validation made me want to match the near to impossible ideas shown online. This can be tied to the shadows in the cave, holding the prisoners back. As my eyes adjusted to beyond just the screen’s glare, just like the prisoner exposed to the sunlight, I realized how genuine and imperfect the nature of the world is.

undergoing a drastic transformation over a decade. Rossetti emphasizes how this individual had an identity shift, one that she never previously envisioned having.
escape, so I hope to gain wisdom and maturity like the character in the poem. 