Purple Hibiscus: Setting 1 key example

The presence of soldiers at checkpoints and the instability in the streets around Kambili and Jaja’s home reflect the fear and unpredictability many Nigerians faced under unstable martial law. The author reinforces this sense of oppression through references to the clampdown on freedom of speech that came with these political upheavals. In real turn-of-the-century Nigeria and in this novel, journalists and activists are targeted for their criticism of the government. Father Amadi and Aunty Ifeoma often discuss these issues with Kambili, which brings them to the reader’s attention.

Eugene, Kambili's father, speaks out against the corruption of the military government through his newspaper, The Standard. This bravery adds to the difficulty of classifying Eugene as a villain. Although he’s undeniably an abuser at home, he’s also a vocal critic of dictatorship.

The lingering effects of colonialism also shape both the physical and emotional spaces in which Kambili and her family live. Within the family home, Eugene’s strict Catholicism and patriarchal control over his wife and children dominate the atmosphere. He enforces rigid rules and violent discipline under the guise of maintaining moral order; what he says goes. Kambili’s school environment also mirrors this sense of isolation and control, emphasizing obedience rather than fostering a nurturing atmosphere for learning and growth. In contrast, Auntie Ifeoma’s home offers a different version of Nigerian life—one filled with the possibility of open conversation. Even though Aunty Ifeoma’s household lacks the material luxuries of Eugene’s, it’s far more pleasant to be in than the chilly prison of Kambili’s family home.