Vocabulary
Coup
Noun: a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics and especially the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group
This character is 15 years old, shy, and unsure of themselves
Kambili
Who do Kambili and Jaja go to visit?
Aunty Ifeoma
This symbol relates to Jaja's rare and growing sense of freedom
"Then I will die, Papa"
Jaja
Heathen
Noun: a person who is not religious or whose religion is not Judaism, Islam, or especially Christianity; pagan
This character represents a post-colonial identity
Father Benedict
On what day does the novel begin?
Palm Sunday
This symbol represents religious violence
"You need something in your stomach to hold the Panadol"
Mama
Adjunct
Noun: something joined or added to another thing but not essentially a part of it
This paradoxical character seeks out freedom for some and oppression for others
Papa
What is the name of Kambili's hometown?
Enugu
The figurines
"A week, Eugene, they will stay a week! I do not have monsters that eat human heads in my house!"
Aunty Ifeoma
Bereft
Adj: lacking something needed, wanted, or expected
This character appears docile and submissive, but subverts all perceptions and expectations with one final act.
Mama
Why do Papa dislike his father so much?
He thinks he is a heathen/will not convert to Catholicism
This symbol represents a paradox of oppression and freedom as related to the character this symbol is often associated with
The Standard (newspaper)
"Maybe it is not as good as the fancy rice she eats at home"
Amaka
Catechism
Noun: a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers
Name one of Kambili's boy cousins (double jeopardy for both!)
Obiora or Chima (double jeopardy for both!)
How does Papa die and who takes the blame?
Poison, Jaja
This symbol becomes represents demonstration of love, but develops into something tragically ironic
The love sips
"I asked if you were sure you wanted to stay in the car"
Papa