Plot & Characters
Who is Papa-Nnukwu?
Papa-Nnukwu is Papa’s (Eugene’s) father — Kambili and Jaja’s grandfather. He practices traditional Igbo religion.
Define colonialism.
Colonialism is when one country controls another politically, economically, and culturally. In the novel, British colonialism influences religion and identity in Nigeria.
What is a foil?
A foil is a character who contrasts with another character.
Identify the independent clause: “Kambili prayed quietly, while Papa shouted.”
Independent clause = “Kambili prayed quietly.”
How does faith affect Kambili’s identity?
Her faith is shaped by her father’s strict religion, but she starts to redefine it as she experiences other perspectives.
Why does Papa refuse to let his children visit Papa-Nnukwu often?
Papa believes Papa-Nnukwu’s traditional beliefs are sinful and “pagan,” so he wants to protect his children from that influence.
What does it mean to be a traditionalist?
A traditionalist follows ancestral customs and beliefs rather than adopting Western or Christian systems.
How is Aunty Ifeoma a foil to Papa?
She is open-minded, joyful, and encouraging of freedom, the opposite of Papa’s strict, controlling nature.
Combine: “Papa prayed for Nigeria. He prayed for the conversion of Papa-Nnukwu."
“Papa prayed for Nigeria and for the conversion of Papa-Nnukwu.”
How does colonialism influence family relationships?
It creates division because Papa rejects his father’s traditional beliefs due to his colonial-influenced Catholicism
What did Jaja do to upset Papa?
He refused to go to communion.
Give an example of irony from the novel.
Papa is deeply religious but commits violent acts in the name of faith.
What is understatement?
Understatement is when something serious is presented as less important than it is.
True or False: A independent clause can stand alone.
True
What does the color red symbolize as a motif in Purple Hibiscus?
The color red appears repeatedly to symbolize danger, anger, and violence in the household.
Why does Kambili internalize her thoughts vs. expressing herself?
Because she is fearful of Papa's authority and knows she will be punished.
When Kambili calls Papa-Nnkwu a "pagan," how does Auntie Ifeoma correct her?
She calls Papa Nnkwu a traditionalist as he stays true to his Igbo culture.
Give an example of an anecdote in Purple Hibiscus.
Papa-Nnukwu tells stories about how missionaries misled his son, Eugene (Papa), by changing their traditional beliefs.
What is a "simple sentence"
One independent clause that demonstrates a complete thought.
Why is it hard for Kambili to make friends?
She has been raised in an extremely strict and controlled household by Papa, where speaking freely or showing emotion is discouraged.
Where does Auntie Ifeoma take Jaja and Kambili despite Papa's orders?
Why is “dependent clause” named that way?
Because it cannot stand alone. It depends on an independent clause to make a complete sentence.
Give an example of a motif in Purple Hibiscus.
The recurring presence of silence in Kambili’s home is a motif that reflects fear and control.
What is a compound sentence?
Two independent clauses joined together by coordinating conjunctions (and, for, nor, but, or, yet, so)
How does the theme of perfection show up in Purple Hibiscus?
Papa demands perfection in behavior, faith, and family life, everyone must follow strict rules, pray correctly, and avoid mistakes.