Purple Hibiscus- Quotes ( Characters, Symbols and Themes)
Characters
Kambili
● “I felt suffocated” (oppression)
● "I stared back at Papa, unflinching. For the first time, I realized that I did not have to bend to
his will, that I had the power to resist, to defy, to assert my own desires." -Recognition of
Personal Agency
● "The weight of Papa’s expectations, the suffocating atmosphere of our home, it’s all too
much sometimes. But I refuse to be crushed by it, refuse to let it define me."
● "When I was young, I thought that the world was black and white, that there were clear
lines between right and wrong. But now I see that life is a spectrum of gray, that nothing is
ever as simple as it seems."
● "When I was young, I was forced to grow up too soon, to shoulder burdens that were not mine
to bear. But now I understand that adversity builds resilience, that struggle breeds
strength."
Other characters
● “I meant to say I am sorry that Papa broke your figurines, but the words that came out were,
'I'm sorry your figurines broke, Mama.” Kambili and Mama
● 'Papa liked order' He draws up meticulous schedules for his children, dictating how long they
are able to study, sleep, pray or spend time with family” Papa
● 'Papa changed his accent when he spoke, sounding British,...He was gracious in the
eager-to-please way he always assumed with the religious, especially the white religious.'
Papa
● When he arrives at Nsukka and is told Papa died, his first words are "Did you call a priest to
give him extreme unction?" - and he wants to arrange a Catholic funeral - despite knowing his
father would be opposed to it. Papa
● After he burns his children's feet he comes to her and says "Everything I do for you, I do for
your own good." - Papa
● Amaka once again makes a smart comment about Kambili's ignorance of food prep because
she is rich - Aunty Ifeoma suddenly says "O ginidi, Kambili, have you no mouth? Talk back
to her!". After a pause, she says "You don't have to shout, Amaka. .... I don't know how to do
the orah leaves, but can you show me." She speaks calmly....and makes Amaka laugh.-
Kambili and Amaka
● "Jaja's defiance seems to me now like Aunty Ifeoma's purple hibiscus. Rare, fragrant with the
undertones of freedom... a freedom to be, to do." Jaja
● "I used to be so afraid, so obedient. But not anymore. I’m not a child anymore, I’m a man, and
I refuse to let Papa control me any longer." Jaja
● "I’m tired of living in fear, of obeying Papa’s every command. I want to be free, to make my
own choices, to live my own life." Jaja
● "We must always remember to be grateful for what we have, no matter how little it may seem.
Family is everything, even when it feels like we’re falling apart." Mama
Symbols
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