Kambili's Personal Identity: An Examination of Adichie's Purple Hibiscus

Kyla D. Brown
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor

The novel, Purple Hibiscus, gives the reader an insightful view of how one’s religion, family, and education can shape a person. Kambili is depicted as the protagonist who has yet to find her voice for she has been silenced by her highly religious father. Scrutinizing Kambili’s life shows that she goes from a state of dependence and without a voice to realizing her opinion is valid and that she can be independent. Growing beyond her father’s religious beliefs and branching out as her own person allows to her realize all the different opportunities she has. Kambili’s character in Purple Hibiscus reveals that one can be more than what one's parents have ‘predestined’ for them. Claiming her self-worth and personal identity occurs throughout the novel and is shown most prominently near the end when she is forced into a position of independence. Kambili adapts as her life changes and blossoms into a different stage of life.

Keywords: Purple Hibiscus, personal identity, self-worth, Kambili

Topic(s):English
Statistics

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA