1. Purple Hibiscus for CAPE Literatures in English By Lyniss Pitt

2. The Queen of the Tropics/rosa-sinensis 3. The Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was born on 15 September 1977 in Enugu, Nigeria, the fifth of six children to Igbo parents, Grace Ifeoma and James Nwoye Adichie. While the family's ancestral hometown is Abba in Anambra State, Chimamanda grew up in Nsukka, in the house formerly occupied by Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe. Chimamanda's father, who is now retired, worked at the University of Nigeria, located in Nsukka. He was Nigeria's first professor of statistics, and later became Deputy Vice- Chancellor of the University. Her mother was the first female registrar at the same institution. At the age of nineteen, Chimamanda left for the United States. She gained a scholarship to study communication at Drexel University in Philadelphia for two years, and she went on to pursue a degree in communication and political science at Eastern Connecticut State University. While in Connecticut, she stayed with her sister Ijeoma, who runs a medical practice close to the university. Chimamanda graduated summa cum laude from Eastern in 2001, and then completed a master's degree in creative writing at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. It is during her senior year at Eastern that she started working on her first novel, Purple Hibiscus, which was released in October 2003. The book has received wide critical acclaim: it was shortlisted for the Orange Fiction Prize (2004) and was awarded the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book (2005). 4. Significance of the title The title Purple Hibiscus reflects the theme of hybridity in the novel. The experimental purple hibiscus in Aunty Ifeomas garden represents not only the clash of cultures experienced by the characters in the novel, but likewise a hope for a better future. In contrast to the startling red hibiscuses in Enugu which symbolize a violent past, the purple hibiscuses in Nsukka represent the new time. Nigeria has gained its independence from the British Empire but is challenged by new conflicts in the post-colonial era. 5. The Setting Purple Hibiscus is set in postcolonial Nigeria, a country beset by political instability and economic difficulties. 6. Enugu & Nsukka 7. The University of Nigeria 8. Students Protest 9. Aokpe The Virgin Mary began appearing in October 1992 to a twelve-year-old girl Christiana Agbo in Aokpe located in the small village in a remote area of Nigeria. 10. The Plot The book starts out with a very drastic event that happened in the past. Jaja, Kambili's older brother, refuses communion at church. His father gets very angry and throws a missal at him. The father continues to be angry with Jaja. The story then restarts as a flashback to before that event occurred. Kambili and Jaja's mother tells them that she is pregnant, but the father beats her soon after, causing a miscarriage. Christmas time comes around, and the family goes to stay in Abba for a few weeks in their holiday home. While they are there, Kambili and Jaja visit Papa- Nnukwu, their paternal grandfather, who is not Catholic. They also meet their Aunty Ifeoma and her children. Aunty Ifeoma tries to convince the father to let Jaja and Kambili visit her in Nsukka, where she lives, but he is still unsure. The family returns to their normal home in Enugu, and they receive a call from Aunt Ifeoma, asking if the children could come visit her. The father finally agrees, so the next day the children pack their things and are driven to their aunt's house. The children soon discover that their cousins, Amaka, Obiora, and Chima, live very different lives than they do. For example, they aren't rich, but the most surprising difference is the way they interact amongst themselves and with their mother. They have very open, casual relationships. It is much more comfortable and free than it is in Jaja and Kambili's home. At first, Kambili is very shy, and she doesn't really fit in with the rest of the family, so Amaka shows hostility toward her for it. She is rude to her, and taunts her about being rich. Kambili doesn't know why she is being so mean. 11. While they are visiting, Jaja and Kambili meet a young priest named Father Amadi. He is very handsome and charming, and Kambili begins to have a crush on him. He is very nice, and he helps her learn how to express herself and to overcome her shyness. Also during the visit, Aunt Ifeoma receives a call informing her that Papa Nukwu is very sick. She brings him back to her house so that she can take care of him. Kambili is worried that her father will be angry because she will be staying in the same house as a heathen, but she does not say anything to her aunt. Papa Nukwu ends up dying a few days later, but he was very happy the last few days of his life. Aunt Ifeoma and her children are very upset. Jaja and Kambili's father finds out, and he drives to Nsukka to take them home, but before they leave Amaka gives Kambili a painting of Papa -Nnukwu that she had started. Once home, Jaja starts acting differently than he used to: more independent. He asks for more freedom, and does not heed his father's requests without question. His father gets angry, and punishes his children severely by pouring boiling hot water on their feet. A few weeks after the visit to Nsukka, Ade Coker, the editor of the paper that the father owns, is killed by a letter bomb. All this time, Kambili has kept the painting of Papa-Nnukwu a secret from her father, but one day he sees her looking at it. He becomes enraged, and shreds the painting so that it cannot be repaired. He then beats her into unconsciousness. Kambili ends up staying in the hospital for a few weeks. Her father and Aunt Ifeoma decide that once she is released, she and Jaja should stay with her again. Once Kambili is well enough to leave, they pack their bags and go back to Nsukka. During this visit, Amaka is no longer mean to Kambili. They have come to understand each other, and they are very close. Father Amadi visits often, and he shows a special caring toward Kambili. His influence helps her to be less shy and speak out more. Her relationships with her cousins continue to grow during that time. 12. After a few days, Kambili's mother shows up without warning. The father had beaten her, and she had been in the hospital. She announces that they are going back home the next day. In the morning, the father comes to pick them up. He takes them back home. The next day is the day that the story started out on: the day that Jaja refused to take communion. Everything is different after that day. Jaja no longer eats dinner with the family. Good Friday comes around, and Aunt Ifeoma calls to tell the mother that she has received a notice of termination. Kambili and Jaja go back to Nsukka to visit one more time before their aunt and cousins leave for America. They stay for Easter. While they are there, the mother calls and informs them that their father is dead. Jaja and Kambili are shocked, and they return home. When poison is discovered in the father's body, the mother confesses to Jaja and Kambili that she is the one who killed him. She tells them that she had been putting the poison in his tea for months. Kambili is angry at her mom. When the police come to investigate, Jaja takes the blame, and he is taken away. He is to be kept in jail for three years. The story finally reaches the present, which is almost three years after Jaja went to jail. During those three years, mother has become very subdued. She doesn't seem to notice much of what is going on around her, and she doesn't care about how she looks. At this point in the book, Kambili and her mother are notified that Jaja will be released in a week. They are overjoyed that he will finally be home. The story ends with Kambili and her mother celebrating, and planning what they will do once Jaja comes home. 13. The Characters The Achike Family Kambili-The main character who narrates the story of her familys disintegration. When the story begins, Kambili is fifteen years old and painfully shy. She lives under the strict Catholic rule of her father, who expects his children to succeed at all costs. As political unrest seizes Nigeria, Kambili is introduced to a new way of life by her liberal aunt. Though she retains her faith through several horrendous events, Kambili learns to question authority when necessary. Chukwuka/Jaja-Kambilis brother, who is about two years older than her. Like Kambili, Jaja strains under the tyranny of his father. After both his sister and mother are hospitalized from beatings, Jaja begins to rebel. Jaja is rational and protective and more outgoing than his sister. He severs ties with both his father and faith. Jaja takes the blame for his mothers crime Eugene/Papa-A prominent man in the Achikes village of Enugu, Papa runs several successful factories and publishes an English-language newspaper infamous for its criticism of Nigerias corrupt government. He is a devout Catholic who expects nothing less than perfection from his family. Papa punishes his wife and children in order to correct their behavior. Papa is beloved in his community but is estranged from his own father and his traditional African culture. Beatrice/Mama-Mama is a quiet and religious woman, accustomed to obeying the rule of her husband. Though the abuse worsens over time, she refuses to leave. Ultimately, she realizes she must protect her children and poisons her husband. 14. Aunty Ifeoma-Papas sister who teaches at the University in nearby Nsukka. Ifeoma is widowed, caring for three children on a meager salary. She is liberal and outspoken but also a devout Catholic. Unlike her brother, she respects the religion and traditions of her father. Her way of life inspires Kambili and Jaja to rethink their own upbringing. Papa-Nnukwu-Ifeoma and Eugenes father. Papa-Nnukwu is a traditionalist, holding on to the faith of his ancestors. Kambili grows to love Papa-Nnukuw despite her fathers warnings that he is a heathen. Through his joy and warm spirit, Kambili learns that both family and faith are more complicated than what she has been taught. Amaka-Aunty Ifeomas eldest daughter, fifteen years old. She is fiercely loyal to her Nigerian roots despite her Catholic upbringing. Amaka is critical of her cousins wealth and meekness. Overtime, Amaka and Kambili come to understand one another and a sisterly bond is forged through adversity. Obiora-Aunty Ifeomas eldest son, fourteen years old. Since the death of his father, Obiora has assumed the role of man of the house. He is questioning and mature and delights in intellectual debate. Obiora inspires Jaja to open his eyes. Chima-Aunty Ifeomas youngest boy, seven years old. Chima is the baby and does not yet have many responsibilites. He clings onto his mother and to both Obiora and Father Amadi. It is clear he misses a male role model. 15. Father Benedict-The white, British-born head of St. Agnes, the Achikes church. He is a supportive ally of Papas, praising him constantly as one of the pillars of the community. Father Benedict is austere and offers only his view of religion. Ade Coker-The editor of The Standard, Papas paper. With Papas support, he is openly critical of the corrupt government and becomes a political target. He is killed by a letter bomb bearing the State Seal. Yewande Coker-Ades wife. She is widowed with three young children, who Papa tries to help. Sisi-The passive servant girl in the Achike household. Sisi provides Mama with the poison used to kill Papa. Chinwe Jideze-A gossipy classmate of Kambilis. She beats Kambili for head of class in one term. Ezinne-The only classmate who is kind to Kambili. Kevin-The Achikes driver. Mama fires him after Papa dies. Chiaku-A professor friend of Aunty Ifeoma's, who is critical of a move to America. 16. Arsenic Arsenic is a naturally occurring element widely distributed in the earth's crust. It is poisonous. 17. Themes Coming of Age Religion-Catholicism v/s Traditionalism Colonialism Silence Domestic Violence/Abuse Nature v/s Environment Education Love/Relationships Nigerian Politics/Oppression/Post-colonialism 18. Conflict Internal Man v/s Self External Man v/s Society-Ade Cokers editorials against the government Man v/s Nature or Environment Man v/s Man-Jaja against Papa and Papa against Papa-Nnukwu 19. Structural Devices stream of consciousness interior monologue flashback foreshadowing chapter organization time frame motif juxtaposition 20. Literary Devices Motifs-the colour red (Papas pajamas, hibiscus, the Blood, lipstick of ifeoma and Amaka); dinner/meal times; silence; the weather; walls; language (Igbo/English); freedom (of speech/expression The Standard newspaper) Symbols Imagery Metaphors-food Allusions-literary, mythological, Biblical, musical Juxtaposition-experiences of Beatrice and Aunty Ifeoma as married women. Ifeoma is accused of killing her husband, while Beatrice who actually kills hers is neither suspected nor punished by the law. The two grand fathers and the difference in the treatment that they received from Eugene or the peaceful rural Fulani nomads and Eugenes violent rage when he lashes out at his family with the leather belt. Irony Onomatopoeia-Aunty Ifeoma was scraping a burnt pot in the kitchen, and the kroo-kroo-kroo of the metal spoon on the pot seemed intrusive. Humour 21. Food 22. Jollof Rice Egusi soup Utazi curry Fufu/Pounded Yam 23. Onugbu soup Moi-moi Anara/Garden eggs Garri/Cassava Anara leaves 24. Ngwo-ngwo/Goat peppersoup Coconut rice Akamu Agidi Akara 25. Okpa Suya Cow-pea and palm oil cakes Ofe nsala soup Cocoyams 26. Orah Ube-Purple Yam/Pear Aku/Winged termites Ugu 27. Musical Instruments 28. The Ichaka or rattle is made of gourd or calabash loosely covered with beads. When tapped or shaken it produces a rattling sound to compliment other instruments. 29. The OGENE (Gong) is the most important metal instrument among the Igbo people. They were made originally in bronze but, in modern time, are mainly made of common metal as a bulging surface in elliptical shaped rim, and tapering like a frustum to its handle. It is hit about its rim by a stick to produce different tunes. The Ogene (gong) accompanies dances, songs, religious and secular ceremonies, and its tunes have been developed to transmit messages by a sort of lyric prose. 30. Mmuo Festival Masks and Masquerades known in Igbo language as "Mmanwu na Mmuo" Mmuo are the spirits of the dead persons of a town. These spirits are classified into good & evil ones. A Woman spirit and mask 31. Woman Spirits Agbogho Mmuo are maiden spirit masks that represent the spirit of dead girls that have manifested in the dancer to come back to parade in their communities. The masks also symbolise the ideals of female beauty among many Nri-Awka Igbo communities. Their extremely white faces symbolise that they are spirits. 32. Agwonatumbe: "The snake that strikes the tortoise 33. Harmattan The Harmattan is a dry and dusty West African trade wind. This northeasterly wind blows from the Sahara into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March. The temperatures can be as low as 3 degrees Celsius. 34. Symbolism Purple hibiscus: Consider the nature of flowers. They are organic, growing and beautiful. At the beginning of the novel the garden at Enugu was full of red hibiscuses. No matter how many church women cut them for the altar, they always grew back strong. Think of the significance of red: danger, violence, blood. This is clearly connected to the vicious treatment family are subjected to by Papa. Consider the femininity and regal connotations of purple, which eventually reigns over the bright red flowers. These experimental flowers represent rebellion and defiance, but in a subtle, growing, feminine way. It is important to note here that it is Mama who strikes the final, ultimate blow against Papas regime. Lipstick: Amaka and Aunty Ifeoma wear lipstick, and it is commented on throughout the story. Kambili notices their femininity, and the lipstick comes to represent awareness of self as a woman, and sexual awakening. It is important to note that when she is invited to the stadium with Father Amadi, Kambili acknowledges her crush on him, and attempts to wear Amakas lipstick. She realises that it does not suit her, and takes it off, but when Father Amadi asks her about it she laughs at herself. Lipstick represents femininity and sexual awareness. 35. Symbolism Laughter: The sound of laughter is always the first thing that Kambili notices about Amaka, Aunty Ifeoma and their household. As the novel goes on, she becomes first of all able to smile and laugh, then able to laugh at herself, and finally able to make others laugh. This represents her development and growth. Paintings: The paintings of grandfather and Papa-Nnukwu can be seen as symbolic. They represent two very different regimes. The painting of Grandfather watches over Eugenes tyranny, and the painting of Papa-Nnukwu causes its downfall, after it enrages Papa to the point of beating Kambili almost to death. Legs for running: The acknowledgement of Kambilis good legs for running causes her to grow: her self-esteem is raised. It is significant that by the end of the novel, other people have recognised her good legs for running (Amaka): she is able to grow even after Father Amadi has gone. 36. Symbolism Palms A symbol of victory or triumph. It s significant that the plot revolves around Palm Sunday. As a symbol of victory in Purple Hibiscus, the palm refers to the victory of Beatrice and her children, Jaja and Kambili, over Eugene, her husband and her childrens father. The figurines They represent Mamas fragility and delicacy. It is their destruction by Papas missal that irrevocably changes the family, leading Beatrice/Mama to her ultimate solution to put an end to her familys suffering. 37. Narrative Technique & Style The story is narrated by Kambili. The character of Kambili is largely a silent observer. From any other characters perspective the reader may find her uninteresting and even pathetic in her stricken silence. But along with her narration she gives the reader knowledge of what she wants to say I wondered why I did not tell her that all my skirts stopped well past my knees, that I did not own any trousers because it was sinful for a woman to wear trousers.. She wonders why she cant simply unfreeze (her) tongue, and she is in awe of her cousins who speak freely. It is ironic that Kambili is narrator who cannot speak. Like a news- reader she can reel off information about events but does not initially allow herself to voice her opinions on them. The reader is encouraged to form opinions in reaction to her twisted emotional responses. Through our exposure to her otherwise very secret thoughts, it is easy to become emotionally involved with her struggle towards freedom of expression. This first person experience of such restriction from someone who does not see the injustice of it is more effective in gaining readers sympathy than the perspective of someone who knows it is wrong, and fights it. Rosza Majsa 38. The culturally conscious musicians Onyeka Onwenu (1952-present) has always won the admiration of many Nigerians since her musical hit One Love. And even when she staged protest at the gate of Nigerian television authority concerning artiste royalty fee many still applauded her bravery. She has maintained an excellent spirit in her career as a singer, journalist, actress and humanist. She started her early childhood education in Nigeria then moved over to the United States. She studied in the Wellesley College Massachusetts. In 1977-79 she was appointed a staff of the public information United Nations. Through her music Onyeka, has enthused unparalleled patriotism, preached, peace, love and tolerance. She has received such awards as the best pop artiste performing musicians association of Nigeria 1988 award, a certificate of appreciation from the United States Aid 1989, global media awards population institute award, Pan African arts and music awards. 39. The culturally conscious musicians Fela Anikulapo Kuti (1938-1997) was a prominent Nigerian musician and political activist who was jailed several times for the critical overtones of his music. The creator of Afrobeat, a musical genre blending jazz and funk with traditional African rhythms. A legendary international musician, known as "Abami eda" (the strange one), Fela was the most creative and celebrated Afro-beat superstar. He was notorious in his lifetime for his anti military activism. He was a social maverick who married 27 women in a day, an extraordinary event that made him an object of curiosity by all manner of people all over the world. As a musician, he was a genius and an iconoclast whose music transcended cultural and political barriers. He had several brushes with the law and his songs vilified most Nigerian governments during his lifetime. He glamorized the use of marijuana and was arrested and jailed several times when caught with it. His lifestyle and promiscuity led to his death after contracting AIDS. In 1998 he was posthumously awarded the prestigious Kora Award for his huge contributions to world music. 40. The culturally conscious musicians Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe (1936-2007), often referred to as just Osadebe, was an Igbo Nigerian Highlife musician from Atani. His career spanned over 40 years, and he is one of the best known Igbo highlife musicians 41. 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