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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Burning House:
Aunty Ifeoma’s use of idiom and metaphor in this passage convey the urgency of her warning to Beatrice and Kambili about the danger they face in Eugene’s house. After hearing that Beatrice has been beaten so badly she has miscarried her baby, Ifeoma says:
‘This cannot go on, nwunye m,’ Aunty Ifeoma said. ‘When a house is on fire, you run out before the roof collapses on your head.’
The idiom of a “house on fire” as it’s used here refers to the escalating abuse within Eugene’s household. Aunty Ifeoma likens Kambili and Beatrice’s home to a structure consumed by flames, as if at any moment it’s liable to crash down around them. It’s a strong warning that conveys both the potential for further destruction and just how imminent the danger is. The metaphor extends further with the warning that Eugene’s family must escape him “before the roof collapses.” Through this, Ifeoma is implying that the situation—if left unchecked—can only have catastrophic consequences.
The metaphor of the burning house also reflects the broader convention of suffocation and destruction in the family. Eugene’s oppressive rule over his household is the “fire” that consumes their sense of safety and stability. The metaphorical roof represents the limits of endurance. Ifeoma is suggesting that Beatrice and Kambili are on the verge of collapse under the weight of Eugene’s abuse. Her words are both a warning and a call to action, urging them to prioritize their survival over the societal expectations and love for Eugene that have kept them trapped.
Related Themes:
