Quotes
Papa Nnukwu's prayers are very different compared to Papa's/Eugene's. In particular when he prays for Papa, saying...
Before Palm Sunday Jaja starts showing his obedience to Papa. He always takes communion and Papa is never angry at him.
What is Jaja does not take communion/is defiant?
Kambili and Jaja communicate in a unique way using their...
What is eyes?
This character is a father, husband, and an editor at the Standard. He is brave and dares to stand up to the government with critical editorials, even after he was arrested and tortured.
Who is Ade Coker?
What is polishes the figurines in the etagere?
This character has distaste for Kambili based on first impressions and their respective class. When they are preparing a meal, peeling yams, this character says...
What is "You are wasting yam. Ah! Ah! Is that how you peel yam in your house? ... Maybe I should enter it in your schedule, how to peel a yam"?
When they travel to Abba, Papa is revered by the whole community. He has been given the title of Ahleora, which means proud one.
What is omelora, the one who does for the community?
Throughout the course of the novel, silence carries through major scenes, abuse, and their communication. There is one scene after Kambili's hospitalization, where she admits to Amaka...
What is tells the truth about Papa?
This character is a white priest at St. Agnes Catholic church in Enugu. He insists that European traditions be followed in the church rather than Nigerian traditions.
Who is Father Benedict?
Kambili does not have any friendships or relationships because of Papa's strict, rigid schedule. The students tease her and call her...
What is "You are almost sixteen. You are beautiful. You will find more love than you need in a lifetime"?
Mama takes Jaja and Kambili into town on a shopping trip, during this trip they see Catholic figures, ceremonies, and depictions of Christ.
What is mmuo/spirit dancers?
Ifeoma's university students grew tired of the conditions on campus and rioted. They chanted things like...
What is "Sole admisntrator has to go. He doesn’t wear pants, Head of state must go"?
This character is a wealthy and popular student at Kambili's school. They are a good student, and one semester even comes first in her class, despite the fact she only has one head.
Who is Chinwe?
Upon returning home from Nsukka, we see a shift or a change in Jaja. He is more independent, defiant, and asks for the key to...
What is the key to his room for privacy?
Aunty Ifeoma breathes inspiration, hope, and freedom into Kambili, Jaja, and Mama. In their early days in Nsukka, she reflects on Jaja and who he was named after, saying...
What is "Being defiant can be a good thing. Defiance is like marijuana-- it is not a bad thing when it is used right"?
Nsukka represents an emotional prison and intellectual destruction
What is emotional and intellectual freedom?
Jaja's personality changes after their initial trip to Nsukka. He blossoms and is stronger than before. On Easter, his communication reflects that when he boldy tells Papa...
What is "Kambili and I are going to Nsukka. Even if Kevin does not drive us, we will walk. We will go no matter what"?
This character is a fourteen-year-old boy trying to be a leader for his family in the absence of his deceased father. He challenges the notions of Christianity and represents an open, questioning life that can be found in Nsukka.
In Nsukka during Papa-Nnukwu's final days, hours. Kambili onlooks as him and Amaka are sitting on the verandah and she begins to...
What is cry, because she longs for a relationship with Papa Nnukwu she will never get?
Papa's dramatics and overreations often lead to abuse within the novel. Kambili starts her period during the eucharistic fast and experiences extreme cramps. She eats before taking medicine and Papa gets extremely angry saying...
What is "Has the devil asked you all to go on errands for him? Has the devil built a tent in my house? You sit there and watch her desecrate the Eucharistic fast, maka nnidi?"
Papa's strict Catholicism represents only Papa's personal beliefs.
What is effects of conversion/colonialism/missionary?
In the end of novel, after Papa's death and Jaja's arrest. Kambili and Mama often visit the prison. We find out their visits have been separated up until they heard from Father Amadi he would be released soon. Kambili says Mama has barely spoke to her, but after they brought Jaja food Mama finally says...
What is "Thank you, nne"?
A traditionalist and an excellent storyteller estranged from his son because he refuses to convert to Catholicism and instead worships the ancestors.
Who is Papa-Nnukwu?