In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Purple Hibiscus, the eponymous purple hibiscus serves as a symbol of both oppression and resistance. The novel is set in postcolonial Nigeria, and follows the story of Kambili, a young girl coming of age in a household ruled by her abusive and fanatically religious father, Eugene.
The purple hibiscus is a symbol of Eugene's oppressive control over his family. He is an extremely devout Catholic and sees himself as the head of the household, with absolute authority over his wife and children. The purple hibiscus plants in his garden are a reflection of his rigid and controlled personality, and he becomes enraged if any of the flowers are damaged or removed.
However, the purple hibiscus also represents resistance and the possibility of change. Kambili and her brother, Jaja, both secretly nurture and care for a purple hibiscus plant that they keep hidden in their bedroom. This act of defiance against their father's strict rules is a small but significant step towards rebellion and autonomy.
As Kambili and Jaja's relationship with their father becomes increasingly strained, the purple hibiscus takes on even greater symbolic significance. It becomes a symbol of hope and the possibility of a different future. Despite the oppressive conditions of their home life, Kambili and Jaja are able to find solace and beauty in the purple hibiscus and the moments of freedom and joy that it represents.
Overall, the purple hibiscus in Purple Hibiscus serves as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle between oppression and resistance, and the human capacity for resilience and hope in the face of difficult circumstances.
The Symbolism of Language Device Usage in Purple Hibiscus
They can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. How does Kambili change in Purple Hibiscus? I did the best I could. He tears up the painting and when Kambili falls on it, he beats her till she passes out. The Color Purple by Alice Walker stretches the answer to that question with a series of letters between two sisters that spans forty years. Victorian Era: The Victorian era simply used the flower to symbolize and admire the delicate beauty of a female. Following another beating of Mama because she supposedly sinned, Papa insists that they all recite a certain prayer 16 times on her behalf. These symbols are there to show the …show more content… Purple is a colour that is often associated with royalty but also self-expression.
Purple Hibiscus (symbolism)
It could be your daily life or some romantic scene in a movie. Throughout the story, Kambili overcomes hardships and obstacles thrown at her by her father. As Kambili spends more time in Nsukka, she is able to speak her mind and have her own opinions. For this reason, people widely use them in wreaths for marriage ceremonies. Colonialism and Nigerian Politics In this book, Adichie shows the different ways that Africans received colonialism. The earthworm symbolizes Kambili's mood, in this case her turmoil, and demonstrates how she is uncertain of her feelings throughout the course of the novel and decides to put them aside instead of confronting them.
Purple Hibiscus Symbolism
They are perfect flowers to help you enjoy beautiful moments that may be only fleeting — but nevertheless add a touch of tropical elegance to any occasion. His strict doctrines are imposed on his family and they are punished when they falter. The love sip tea is a tea that burns Kambili and Jaja tongue badly, ruled by her father whose power conflicts with love and pain. Japan In Japan, the hibiscus symbolizes hospitality and a person with a gentle nature. Kambili grows into a more mature young girl, and this is demonstrated through symbolism of the snails and earthworms, and also how she finally finds her voice.
The Symbolism of Nature in Purple Hibiscus: [Essay Example], 1082 words GradesFixer
The author shows the horrible effects of corruption, colonialism, and oppression. The novel takes place during a tumultuous period for the Nigerian government. During many occasions in the novel, the red and purple hibiscuses play an important role in the eyes of Kambili and Jaja, but also in the novel as a whole. In Hawaii, they are a common tattoo by nature of being a national symbol and often represent Hawaiian pride and hospitality. Taking note of this, Mama refuses to fix her figurines, ergo not giving Papa the chance to harass them anymore.
Fascinating Meaning and Symbolism of Hibiscus Flower and Color
Ade Coker is a character based on the real-life journalist Dele Giwa and is assassinated with a letter bomb. The cultural difference in these distinct places is apparent. Therefore, purple hibiscus can be given for several reasons and is often given to family members and romantic partners on special occasions. What does the Purple Hibiscus mean in the book Kambili? Classification and History of Hibiscus Flower The plant belongs to the genus of the same name and the family Malvaceae. Here, the flowers are given to men and women alike. Hawaii: In Hawaii, people consider it to depict power, respect, and hospitality. Within the novel, there are many symbols being used to help develop the novel, in the text; the four major ones being Love Sip Tea, Figurines, Lipstick, and Laughter.
Analysis of Symbolism in Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: [Essay Example], 1036 words GradesFixer
This new rain represents new flowers, and new hope that one day flowers and freedom will beautify Nigeria and out power the devastating cycle of abuse. It looked strange, not as glamorous as it did on Amaka; it did not even have the same bronze shimmer. Hibiscus flowers, depending on their colors, are appropriate for just about any occasion. What Does a Purple Hibiscus Symbolize? Generally speaking, it denotes the beauty and elegance of a female, joy, and good luck. The tea would burn both of their tongues badly. Then I would hold the cup with both hands and raise it to my lips. Their small bones easily can break because of their small bone structure like ballerina.
Symbolism in Purple Hibiscus
Moreover, these teas are helpful in mood-boosting and treating high blood pressure. The genre, Bildungsroman creates a medium for Adichie to show a moral and psychological growth of Kambilli, while allowing the growth on the perspectives of readers. She wishes she had been allowed to know Papa-Nnukwu before he died. Purple Hibiscus Themes Religion Religion is a central theme in this novel. Aesthetically, they are beautiful, with a mix of simplicity and intricacy in each petal, which makes them a striking tattoo, especially in color. Mam Lastly, this hope occurs under the image of imminent rain.
