Comprehension
What prompts Kambili and Jaja’s visit to Nsukka?
Mama sends them to Aunty Ifeoma’s for safety and change of environment.
How does Aunty Ifeoma’s parenting style differ from Papa’s?
She is open-minded and encourages freedom of thought.
What does the purple hibiscus symbolize?
Freedom, hope, and change.
What major theme is represented through Papa’s religious extremism?
The dangers of blind faith or authoritarianism.
Summarize Purple Hibiscus in 5 words.
Create your own — scored for creativity.
What causes Mama to have her second miscarriage?
Papa beats her.
Why is Jaja’s silence at dinner in the beginning of the novel significant?
It marks the beginning of his rebellion.
What does silence represent in the Achike household?
Fear and oppression.
How is coming-of-age shown in Kambili’s journey?
She gradually finds her voice and begins to think independently.
Imagine Purple Hibiscus as a modern-day text thread between Kambili and Jaja. Create and share 3 messages each would send during a key moment.
*Team choice
What does Papa do after he discovers the children visited Papa Nnukwu?
He punishes them physically and pours boiling water on their feet.
How does Amaka’s personality contrast with Kambili’s?
Amaka is outspoken and critical, while Kambili is reserved and obedient.
What do Mama’s polished figurines symbolize?
The illusion of perfection and control.
What motif recurs in connection to punishment and control?
Violence or pain inflicted in the name of religion.
Create a metaphor for Kambili’s emotional growth.
Example: “Kambili is a butterfly emerging from a glass jar.”
Who is Ade Coker, and what happens to him?
He is the editor of Papa’s newspaper. He is killed by a package bomb.
Why does Kambili admire Father Amadi?
He is kind, patient, and encourages her to express herself.
What does Papa Nnukwu symbolize in the novel?
Traditional values and religious tolerance.
How is freedom explored in the novel?
Through education, travel, and the contrast between Enugu and Nsukka.
If the novel were turned into a film, what would the opening 15 seconds look like?
*Team choice: Describe the visuals, music, and setting.
How does Papa die, and who is responsible?
He is poisoned slowly by Mama.
How does Jaja and Kambili's relationship change throughout the novel?
They go from being a comfort to one another to experiencing an acute distance.
How does Adichie use nature imagery in Nsukka to contrast with Enugu?
Nsukka is lush and free, symbolizing growth and discovery, while Enugu is controlled and cold.
What theme does Adichie develop through the character of Aunty Ifeoma?
Empowerment through education and resilience in the face of political/economic hardship.
Rewrite a moment in the book from Amaka’s point of view.
Perform or summarize aloud.