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During this praise Papa’s face We immediately see the kind of

SUMMARY AND ANAL
ANALYSIS
YSIS remains emotionless, and duality present in Papa’s life. In
Kambili remembers his decree public he is the picture of virtue,
The color-coded and numbered boxes under each row of
that modesty is important, so not even letting himself feel
Summary and Analysis below make it easy to track the themes
she also tries to hide her pride. proud when he is praised, while
throughout the work. Each color and number corresponds to
On this Palm Sunday Papa back at home he has a violent
one of the themes explained in the Themes section of this
notices that Jaja did not take temper—but this too involves the
LitChart.
the communion. When they idea of virtue, and punishment
arrive home Papa slams his for sins. Adichie opens with Jaja’s
CHAPTER 1 missal down on the dining rebellion, and later shows just
The narrator, a 15-year-old girl The first line references “Things room table and interrogates how important it is. Kambili hints
named Kambili Achike, who Fall Apart,” the famous novel Jaja about it. Jaja answers at the “language of the eyes” that
lives in Enugu, Nigeria, says about the coming of missionaries rebelliously, saying that he she and Jaja share.
that “things started to fall and colonialism to a village in doesn’t like the wafer, and that
apart” in her family after one Nigeria by Nigerian writer if refusing to take communion 2 3 4 5 6
specific day: her 17-year-old Chinua Achebe, who was one of means death, then he will die.
brother Jaja refused to go to Adichie’s influences. The novel Kambili pleads with her eyes
communion on Palm Sunday, begins in the middle of a for him to stop, but Jaja won’t
and her Papa, Eugene, a confusing scene, but we already look at her.
devout Catholic, threw his see that the family is very Papa then flings his missal at Papa’s “love sip” is a good
missal (a Catholic liturgical religious, and that they are the étagère and breaks the encapsulation of his relationship
book) in anger, breaking the familiar with domestic violence. small ceramic figurines of with his children: the tea burns
ceramic figurines on the ballet dancers. Kambili’s their tongues and causes them
étagère (a piece of furniture 2 3 6
mother, Beatrice (Mama), pain, but it proves that Papa
with a series of shelves). comes in and immediately loves them. They idolize, obey,
Kambili explains what Much of the novel focuses on the starts picking up the pieces of and love Papa despite his violent
happened before this scene. character of Eugene Achike, or the figurines. Kambili feels punishments. In fact, as
She describes Papa’s fierce “Papa.” We first learn about his suffocated in the silence. Kambili’s narration indicates
devotion to Catholic tradition public life: he is a wealthy factory Mama tells Papa to drink his there is a sense in which she has
and the priest at their church, owner who speaks out for tea and Jaja to help her clean been taught to love him for his
St. Agnes, who is a white freedom through his newspaper up. Papa sits down. Usually he violence, because he always
British man named Father and supports many people and gives Kambili and Jaja a “love explains his violent acts as being
Benedict. Father Benedict causes with his money. Father sip” of his tea before he drinks for the benefit of his children and
insists that prayers and Benedict is an example of the it—letting them share it, and wife, as teaching them the right
recitations be done only in long history of British colonialism Kambili likes this practice even way to act after they have done
Latin, not in the native in Nigeria—Nigeria has been an though the tea always burns something wrong or sinful.
language of Igbo as they are at independent nation for at least a her tongue, because it proves
decade by now, but the Papa’s love for her—but today 3 5 6
many Nigerian churches. In his
sermons Father Benedict worldview that Western-equals- he does not, which disturbs
praises Papa extravagantly, superior still pervades daily life, Kambili.
describing his virtues as a like the idea that praying in Igbo
righteous publisher of the is inferior to praying in Latin.
newspaper the Standard. He
says that Papa always prints 1 2 4 5
the truth and speaks out for
freedom even when it is
difficult or dangerous. Papa is a
wealthy business owner, but
his money has not corrupted
him like the other “Big Men.”

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Jaja helps Mama pick up the Adichie gives a few spare details Jaja is conspicuously silent, Papa is a “colonial product”
pieces of the figurines, and to set the scene for later—Papa is and Papa asks him if he has any because he has adopted the
Kambili feels like she is in a an important enough man that “words in his mouth.” Papa says mindset of his missionary
nightmare because everything the government tried to bribe this in Igbo, which is a bad teachers—that everything
is so different from how it him; Kambili finds some solace in sign—Papa prefers everyone in Western is always superior, and
usually is. She goes upstairs to natural beauty; and Jaja’s the family to speak English, so that he must cut himself off from
change and looks out the disobedience is new and unheard as to “sound civilized.” Kambili his roots to be a true Catholic or
window at Mama’s red of in the house. remembers Papa’s sister, “civilized” man. Thus Papa
hibiscuses, which she uses to Aunty Ifeoma, calling Papa a always prefers speaking and
decorate the church. Many 1 4 “colonial product.” Jaja hearing English over Igbo,
visitors also pluck the flowers responds that he has nothing because he sees English as the
as they pass by. Kambili to say, and he excuses himself more civilized language. Later we
remembers two government from the table before Papa’s will see the irony of this
agents who came to the house closing prayer. Kambili notices scene—that Jaja now uses
to try and bribe Papa, and even that the fear has left Jaja’s eyes silence as a weapon against
they couldn’t resist picking and entered Papa’s. Papa calls Papa.
some hibiscus. for Jaja, starts to get up, and
then slumps back into his chair. 1 3 5
None of the usual Sunday Adichie now reveals the
Kambili chokes on her cashew
routines take place: Mama importance of the figurines.
juice and has a coughing fit.
doesn’t plait Kambili’s hair in Mama always polishes them
the kitchen and Jaja doesn’t go after Papa beats her, and so they That evening Kambili stays in Kambili has recognized the
upstairs to his room to read. become a kind of euphemism for bed and doesn’t go to dinner. symbolism of the figurines, and
Kambili tells Mama that she is the domestic violence that Papa sits with her a while, and she now sees that their
sorry her figurines broke, but Mama, Jaja, and Kambili never she notices that his breathing destruction coincides with a
Mama just nods and shakes speak of. The breaking of the is labored and his face has a change in the family dynamic.
her head as if the figurines figurines, then, represents the rash on it. Mama brings her Mama is not as afraid of violence
weren’t important to her. beginning of the end of this some soup, but after eating it anymore, and Jaja is willing to
Kambili knows that they were, violence. Kambili throws it up. She asks speak out against his father.
though—every time she heard about Jaja, and Mama says Papa’s rash is a sinister
Papa beating up Mama in their 3 6 that he didn’t come down for prediction of his death by slow
room, Mama would come dinner either. Kambili asks if poisoning.
downstairs and meticulously Mama will replace the
polish the figurines afterwards. figurines, and Mama says that 3 4
she won’t. Kambili starts to
The family sits down to lunch Papa’s intense devotion to
understand that everything
and Papa says a prayer over Catholicism is present in every
has changed now, and Mama
the food that lasts twenty aspect of life. Kambili narrates
may not need the figurines
minutes. He likes to refer to Papa’s twenty-minute prayer as
anymore.
the Virgin Mary as “Shield of if that were the usual custom
the Nigerian People,” a title he before eating a meal—and in her
invented. Sisi, the family’s family, it is. Everything Kambili
servant, brings in the food and and Mama do is done in silence
they eat, though Kambili and fear, trying to keep the
cannot taste anything because peace.
she is so stressed. Sisi brings in
the new batch of cashew juice 2 5
(which Papa will sell from his
factories) and they each try it.
Mama and Kambili both
compliment it nervously.

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Mama leaves, and Kambili Adichie briefly introduces the Mama tells Kambili that she is Everything seems peaceful at this
remembers what started all purple hibiscus as a symbol of pregnant, and the baby is due point, and again we see the
this change. There were many freedom and independence, in October. Mama is pleased virtue of Papa’s public actions.
years when she and Jaja and while also referencing the theme with this, because after having Adichie also shows just how
Mama “spoke more with our of silence and speech and Kambili she had several much Kambili idolizes her father
spirits than with our lips,” but bringing up Nigerian politics. We miscarriages. The people of at this point—she resents him
the true changes began when see everything in the novel their home village started to even being compared to another
they visited Aunty Ifeoma in through the eyes of a fifteen- gossip, and even to suggest man because she thinks he is so
Nsukka. Kambili remembers year-old, so there is no thorough that Papa should marry much better than other men.
Ifeoma’s garden of purple description of the political another woman who could Papa is almost a godlike figure for
hibiscus, and the scent of situation, but in this way Adichie have more children. But Papa her, and right now her belief in
freedom they seemed to give more poignantly shows how stayed, and Mama is grateful God is tied up in her belief in
off. This was a different kind of corruption and violence affect he did. She compares him to Papa.
freedom from the one Kambili even children. another man who took a
had heard angry crowds second wife. Kambili agrees 3 4
chanting for—this was “a 1 3 4 5 that Papa should be praised for
freedom to be, to do.” this. Kambili doesn’t even like
comparing Papa to other men,
CHAPTER 2 as she considers him so far
above them.
Kambili’s narration now jumps Adichie structures the novel so
months back in time to that we see the turning point for Mama and Sisi are cooking to The Achikes are an important
describe the events leading up the family, then life up to that host the members of the Our family with a spotless public
to Palm Sunday. Mama brings point, and then life after it. Lady of the Miraculous Medal image to uphold, and so Mama is
Kambili’s school uniforms Kambili now explains daily life in prayer group, which consists of obligated to entertain her guests
inside before it rains. Jaja and the house before Jaja dared rebel some women in Enugu. During well. The prayer group practices
Kambili wash their own against Papa. We start to see the event, the sisters clap and Catholicism in a way that Papa
uniforms in the half hour Papa how Papa controls every aspect sing in Igbo for half an hour would not approve of, as we later
allocates for uniform-washing. of his children’s’ lives, even and then Sisi brings in the feast learn—both singing and speaking
It isn’t proper for an older scheduling their time for washing she and Mama have prepared. Igbo.
person to do a younger clothes. Kambili already has a The sisters chide Mama for
going to so much trouble, but 2 5
person’s chores, but Mama hint of bitterness at her mother
doesn’t mind bringing in the for submitting to violence so then thank her and eat.
clothes. Kambili thinks about docilely. Jaja comes home from school, Before Palm Sunday there is a
her mother that “there was so wearing his neatly ironed special kind of silence in the
much that she did not mind.” 3 4
uniform. Last year he was house, a silence associated with
voted “neatest junior boy” at fear and repression. Jaja and
school, which pleased Papa Kambili have a special language
greatly. Jaja goes to Kambili’s of glances, and they never speak
room and the two talk about directly of Papa’s violence. This is
Mama’s pregnancy. They what Adichie means by “speaking
speak in a kind of special with our spirits,” this section’s
language using mostly their title.
eyes. Jaja declares that they
must protect the baby, and 3 5
Kambili knows that he means
protect the baby from Papa.

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Jaja goes downstairs and Papa’s tyranny over his family CHAPTER 3
Kambili looks at the written isn’t only violence—it also means
In the weeks after the coup Nigeria is now ruled by a military
schedule posted on her wall. that he controls every aspect of
Kambili notices some changes regime, so its soldiers can
Papa makes a daily schedule their lives, scheduling every
in the outside world. The essentially act with impunity, as
for both Kambili and Jaja, activity every hour of Jaja and
Standard grows more critical, we will see more of later. As the
allocating time for every Kambili’s day.
while the other papers seem publisher of the Standard, Papa
activity, including studying,
3 4 more subdued. People are clearly takes a pro-democracy
praying, eating, and “family
protesting in Government stance, and is critical of the new
time.” Kambili knows that
Square, chanting “Freedom” Head of State.
“Papa liked order,” and she
and blocking cars. The family’s
wonders when he will first 1 4
driver, Kevin, puts green
start making a schedule for the
branches on the car to show
new baby.
solidarity with the pro-
During family time the next The world of politics now democracy protestors when
day, Papa and Jaja are playing intrudes into the family’s isolated he drives the children to
chess and they are all listening sphere. We never get a detailed school. Soldiers set up
to the radio. A general comes explanation, as everything is roadblocks and randomly
on the air and announces that presented through Kambili’s search people at gunpoint.
there has been a coup, and eyes, but this coup and ensuing
Nothing changes inside the Even though he is very politically
that there will be a new military regime is probably based
Achike household, however. active, Papa hardly ever tells his
government in Nigeria. Papa on Ibrahim Babangida, one of
Jaja and Kambili stick to their family about his work or his life
excuses himself and goes to Nigeria’s most corrupt rulers.
strict schedules, while Mama’s outside the home. The young
call Ade Coker, the editor of
1 4 pregnancy progresses. At priest is contrasted with Father
Papa’s paper the Standard.
Mass on Pentecost Sunday Benedict, who is the picture of
Papa returns, looking, sad, and
there is a visiting priest at St. colonialist Catholicism. Papa, as
says that coups always lead to
Agnes. He is young and a “colonial product,” disapproves
other coups, as “military men
sincere, and does not praise of the singing and use of Igbo,
would always overthrow one
the church’s lavish altar like and makes sure that his family
another.”
other visiting priests have disapproves as well. Here silence
The Standard had been critical The great irony of Papa’s done. During his sermon he is more directly enforced.
of the past government, character is that though he is a starts singing a song in Igbo.
running stories about cabinet violent and controlling tyrant at This surprises the 1 2 3 4 5
members stashing public home, in public he bravely stands congregation at first, but then
money in foreign bank up for free speech and uses his most of them start to sing
accounts. Papa declares that wealth to help others. He and his along. Papa keeps his lips
though the politicians are editor, Ade Coker, become the closed and checks his family to
corrupt, Nigeria needs a only ones willing to criticize the make sure their lips are closed
“renewed democracy” instead corrupt regime that has just as well.
of a military leader. The next taken power, even when it means
day the Standard is the only endangering their own lives.
paper to criticize the new When she speaks, Kambili
Head of State and ask him to always thinks of what would
return the government to a please Papa best, not what she
democracy. The other papers actually wants to say.
all praise the new leader for
saving the country from the 1 2 4 5
corrupt politicians. Kambili
says “God will deliver us,”
hoping to please Papa, and he
takes her hand.

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Papa always greets people Papa reinforces his ideas about After lunch Kambili is reading This kind of violence is horribly
after church, as people flock the way Catholicism should be the Bible when she hears commonplace in the Achike
around him. Then the family practiced, and his children thumping sounds from her household. Papa sees it as a
goes to visit Father Benedict. accept it the way they must parents’ room. Kambili necessary punishment for sin,
Papa says that the young accept his control over the rest of imagines that Papa is trying to not as anything wrong on his
visiting priest was “Godless” to their lives. Mama’s request to get the door unstuck, thinking behalf. The children react calmly
sing a song during the sermon, stay in the car seems perfectly that if she imagines it hard and never speak directly of what
and that he will bring trouble reasonable given that she feels ill, enough it will be true. After 20 has happened.
to the church. They arrive at but to Papa it is an example of seconds Papa comes out of the
Father Benedict’s, but Mama selfishness and sin. But it also is room, carrying Mama slung 2 3 4 5 6
says she feels sick and wants becoming clear that Papa over his shoulder. He carries
to stay in the car. Papa stares equates people not doing what her downstairs and takes her
at her meaningfully and asks he wants with them being selfish. outside. There is blood on the
her again to come in. She floor, and Jaja and Kambili
insists that she doesn’t feel 1 2 3 4 5 6 clean it up.
“right,” but Papa asks again and
Mama doesn’t come home that The children are so conditioned
she agrees to come in.
night, and Jaja and Kambili that they continue following their
Papa talks to Father Benedict Papa sustains his anger at have dinner alone. They don’t schedule even without Papa
while the rest of the family Mama’s “sin” throughout the visit talk about Mama, but instead there to enforce it. Papa weeps
waits in the living room. Father and the drive home. Kambili talk about the three men who whenever he is violent, showing
Benedict asks about Mama’s looks forward to the pain of the were publicly executed for the tragic complexity of his
health, but she blames her “love sip,” as it seems like proof drug trafficking the day before. character. He does truly love his
sickly appearance on allergies. that Papa loves her. We now The children go to their rooms family, but has twisted ideas
After the visit Papa grits his start to realize why the lack of a after dinner. Papa comes home about violence, sin, and
teeth on the drive home as “love sip” on Palm Sunday was an and goes into Kambili’s room. punishment. Kambili represses
they listen to “Ave Maria.” important part of the change in His eyes are red from crying. the memory of the beating and
When they get home Mama the family dynamic. He says that Mama will be clings instead to Papa’s love and
offers to pour Papa’s tea, but back tomorrow, and he hugs affection.
he refuses. He gives Jaja and 2 3 6 Kambili so that she can feel his
Kambili their “love sips” of the heartbeat. 1 3 4 5 6
tea. Kambili is happy to “feel
Mama comes home the next We now see the importance of
the love burn my tongue.”
day, her eyes looking vacant. the ceramic figurines for Mama.
Mama, Jaja, and Kambili then We now see the silence that She says “there was an Polishing them is a way of
go upstairs to change. The pervades the house. Everyone is accident” and she has had a calming herself and reorganizing
children are scheduled to afraid to speak out, lest they say miscarriage. She stands there her life after the disruption of
quietly reflect on a Bible verse something sinful and receive a hugging herself for a while, and Papa’s violence. The family
and pray. Even the “family violent punishment, or then starts polishing the members never even say what
time” on Sundays is silent. disappoint Papa in any way. ceramic figurines on the happened, or imply that Papa
Mama runs into her room to Papa continues to cling to his étagère. Kambili tries to help was involved—Mama’s
vomit, and the children hear anger against Mama because of her, but Mama insists that she miscarriage was just an
her. At lunch Papa prays over what he has perceived as a go up to her room and study, as “accident.”
the food, asking God to forgive wicked act. it is her “study time.” Kambili
“those who had tried to thwart looks at her textbook, but all 3 4 5 6
His will” by not wanting to visit 2 3 4 5 the letters seem to blur into an
“His servant after Mass.” image of Mama’s blood.
Mama loudly says “Amen.”

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The next Sunday Papa makes Father Benedict may not know Kambili gets home and goes to Papa’s love and affection is
the family stay behind after about the domestic violence, but her room. She hears Papa inextricably connected to his
Mass and recite extra prayers he does support Papa’s come home and go into Jaja’s expectations for his children.
“for Mama’s forgiveness.” worldview of strict rules room. Jaja had come first in his Kambili fears Papa’s violence
Father Benedict sprinkles holy regarding sin and punishment. class, so Kambili imagines Papa when she does something less
water over them as they recite, Though she is still totally devoted hugging him and praising him. than perfect, but she fears losing
trying hard to get the words to Papa, Kambili understands Then Papa comes to Kambili’s his love and approval even more.
right so Papa doesn’t make that Papa’s punishments far room and she gives him the She often seems to see Papa’s
them start over. Kambili tries outweigh the perceived crime. report card. He is silent, and hug as a greater reward than
not to think about what Mama then asks about the girl who Papa’s slap is a punishment.
might need to be forgiven for. 2 3 5 came first. Kambili says it is
Chinwe Jideze, the girl who 3 4
CHAPTER 4 came second last term when
Kambili was first. Papa tells
It remains difficult for Kambili Even as Papa enforces a Kambili to come down for
to read, even though her frightened silence within his own dinner.
exams are approaching, as she family, in his life outside the
keeps seeing Mama’s blood in home he fights for freedom and Kambili is terrified to look at Even Papa’s decorations and
the letters. One day she is justice. None of the other Papa as they eat, and she can furniture fit the kind of order and
studying in her room when newspapers are willing to speak hardly swallow her food. After Western-ness he values in life.
Yewande Coker, the wife of out against Nigeria’s new regime, dinner Papa tells her to follow For once, here, his political life
Ade Coker (Papa’s editor at as the Head of State uses him upstairs. She goes into intrudes enough to disrupt his
the Standard) comes to the violence to suppress and Papa’s bedroom, where control of his family. Papa says
door sobbing. She says that discourage free speech. And yet everything is cream-colored nothing about his outside life to
soldiers have taken Ade away. Papa and Ade Coker push on in and soft looking. Papa starts to his family, and they must read
Papa comforts her, telling her telling the dangerous truth. chide Kambili for her grades, about it in the paper just as if he
to repeat a Bible verse. Kambili but then the phone rings. Papa was a stranger to them. Kambili
knows that Ade was arrested 1 2 4 5 6 answers it and then motions doesn’t find anything odd about
because the last Standard had for Kambili to leave. Papa this, and instead feels a surge of
printed a story claiming that seems to forget about pride and love whenever Papa is
the Head of State was drug Kambili’s punishment for a few praised by an outside source.
trafficking, and questioning the days after that. He gets Ade
Coker out of prison, but his 1 3 4 5
earlier execution of the three
men. family only finds out by reading
it in the Standard. There Ade
The next week Kambili takes The teacher doesn’t realize the praises Papa as a brave “man of
her exams, and then is impossible standards that Papa integrity.” Kambili feels a rush
horrified to see that she has has for his children. Papa- of pride as she reads this. Papa
come second in her class, even Nnukwu, Papa’s father who says that the paper will have to
though the teacher has written refused to convert to publish underground now.
her a glowing review. Kambili Christianity, appears for the first
knows that Papa will not be time—and for Papa, his father’s
pleased, and will compare her “Godlessness” was an obstacle
to his own success, which he Papa had to overcome to
achieved despite his “Godless succeed.
father” Papa-Nnukwu. Kambili
feels “stained by failure.” 2 3 4

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There is a two-week break We were first introduced to the Papa asks Kambili to point out Papa has most harshly
from school, and on the last isolated and wealthy world of the Chinwe Jideze for him. Papa abandoned Nigerian ways for
weekend Mama takes Jaja and Achikes, but now Adichie starts says that Chinwe does not British ones by cutting all ties
Kambili to get new sandals to contrast their lives with those have any more heads than with his father, just because
and bags. Kambili notices the of most Nigerians. The Kambili, so Kambili should not Papa-Nnukwu refused to be
crowds of the poor at the corruption of the military regime let her come in first. Papa then converted by the missionaries.
market, and then sees a group means violence in everyday life gives the lecture Kambili had Papa is indeed an incredibly
of soldiers around a woman for most people, but Kambili is expected, about his own hard successful man, but he holds his
who is tearing her hair and still sheltered by her parents, and childhood, how hard he children to even higher standards
crying in the dirt. Mama tries Papa’s wealth means he can worked, how he escaped his of perfection.
to shield the children from afford to keep his family isolated. idol-worshiping father with the
seeing. Kambili sees another help of the Catholic 1 2 3
woman spit on a soldier, and 1 4 6 missionaries. Then Papa leaves
then sees the soldier whip her. and tells Kambili that Kevin
Another soldier kicks down will pick her up.
stalls selling fruits. As they
The class begins with a hymn, a Kambili’s silence affects her life
drive home Kambili cannot
prayer, and then the Nigerian even when Papa is not around.
stop thinking about the woman
national anthem. Then a She stutters, speaks softly, and
in the dirt.
student always recites the finds it nearly impossible to find
On Monday Papa drives Papa practices charity at all pledge. Today the sister the right words for a situation
Kambili to school, instead of times, and uses his wealth to chooses Kambili to say it. without reciting some platitude
Kevin taking her as he usually help others. But this virtue is Kambili knows the words, but that might please Papa.
does. They pass a beggar and then immediately contrasted she cannot make herself speak.
Papa throws some money to with his idea of what makes a She starts sweating as 1 5
him. Kambili’s school, the good school—a high, unscalable everyone stares at her. Finally
Daughters of the Immaculate wall to keep the students she stutters and starts the
Heart Secondary School, is disciplined, and of course the pledge.
surrounded by high walls with school must be private and
The students go into their Chinwe acts as a foil to Kambili,
broken glass on top. Papa had Catholic.
classrooms and a girl named as she too has a wealthy and
decided on this school because
1 2 4 Ezinne asks Kambili about her successful father, but she is
he liked the walls, which
holiday. She brings up the fact sociable, confident, and unafraid
enforced discipline.
that Kambili came in second of speaking her mind. Kambili, on
They go into the school Adichie shows just how much of last term, but says that her the other hand, has trouble
grounds and Papa asks a “colonial product” Papa is—he parents must still be proud of speaking and is afraid to spend
Kambili to take him to her sees white people as superior and her. Meanwhile Chinwe goes her free time doing anything but
class. One of the white nuns more civilized, and so he flatters around the room asking for studying, so as to always come in
sees him and starts talking them and tries to prove his own votes so that she will remain first and please Papa.
excitedly. Papa affects a British civility by speaking English and the class prefect. She
accent when he speaks to her, affecting a British accent. noticeably skips Kambili. 5
just as he does with Father Kambili, at this point, sees Chinwe comes from a rich
Benedict. Papa tells the sister nothing wrong with this. family just like Kambili, but
that he is just there to see Chinwe is very popular and the
Kambili’s class. Papa and 1 2 5 other girls copy her style.
Kambili go on and come to the Kambili, in contrast, spends all
group of girls standing outside her free time studying.
the door.

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Ezinne tells Kambili that Other than Ezinne, the only girl They arrive in Abba and drive The enormous divide between
Chinwe started the rumor that who is kind to Kambili, the other through the dirt roads of the poor and wealthy is tragically
Kambili is a “backyard snob” students interpret her silence village. It is mostly mud-and- obvious in Abba, where most
and that she thinks she is “too and anti-social demeanor as thatch huts, but there are also people live in poverty while huge
big” because she doesn’t ever snobbery. Amaka will later make extravagant three-story mansions sit empty. In his home
talk to the other girls, or walk this same mistake. We see that houses, including the Achikes’. village Papa’s philanthropy is
with them after school instead Kambili never mentions or even Everyone is excited to see made official, and everyone
of running off. Kambili does hints at Papa’s abuse, but always them arrive, and they call Papa expects to come by his house on
this, though, because she makes up her own excuses to omelora, which means “The Christmas to eat their fill.
knows that she must run to explain her behavior. One Who Does for the
Kevin’s car and get home on Community.” Papa drives 1
time or else Papa will be angry. 4 5 6 through the gates of their
One time she was late and he “country home,” a magnificent
slapped her face with both mansion. Children chase after
hands. Kambili doesn’t tell the family’s car and Papa gives
Ezinne this, though; she just them all money when he gets
says that she likes running. out. They unpack the cars with
all the food and huge cooking
CHAPTER 5 appliances. They will cook
enough for everyone in the
Kambili continues to see Adichie shows just how village to eat—this is why Papa
Mama’s blood when she tries important Papa’s approval is to is the omelora.
to read, but she studies Kambili. Kambili feels that she
constantly and memorizes her must constantly be earning her Ade Coker and his family Ade Coker sees the discrepancy
teacher’s words, knowing she father’s love, especially because arrive at the house, stopping between Papa’s life at the
must come first this term. she also idolizes him. She clings by on the way to their own Standard and the way he treats
Finally she gets her report to the memory of Papa’s praise home in Lagos. Ade is small, his children, even if he doesn’t
card and she is first in the while avoiding memories of his round, and cheerful, and know about Papa’s domestic
class. Papa praises her and punishment. Kambili cannot imagine him abuse. Speech is seen as a
says how proud he is of her, defying soldiers. Ade jokes positive good in the political
and Kambili cherishes this 3 6 with Jaja and Kambili, but they world, where censorship is a tool
memory as she falls asleep that only answer dutifully “yes” or of tyranny. Papa doesn’t extend
night. “no.” Ade comments to Papa this to his family, however, and
that his children are “always so he then becomes the tyrant
Christmas approaches, when Papa came from the small village quiet,” and Papa proudly says demanding silence and
the family makes their annual of Abba, but now he only returns that they fear God, unlike most obedience.
trip to their hometown of there once a year. The extended children. Ade jokes that the
Abba. Many of the wealthy family he grew up with are still Standard would not exist if they 1 2 3 4 5
Igbo do this: they have huge poor, and so he provides for them were all quiet. Everyone laughs
houses in their home village, as a “Big Man.” He also follows but Papa. Jaja and Kambili
which they visit only once a what is expected of wealthy Igbo silently go upstairs.
year, and the rest of the time Nigerians and builds a huge
live in smaller houses in the house in the village, even though
city. Papa directs the packing he hardly ever visits it. Papa
of the cars, as they are continues to pass out money to
bringing lots of food to the everyone who seems to be in
village. On the drive to Abba need. He is both generous, and
each family member takes made more powerful by his
turns reciting the rosary. They generosity.
stop to buy some food, and
Papa gives money to all the 3
hawkers (people peddling
goods for sale) who crowd
around him.

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The next morning Jaja and Papa fears to follow any Papa tells Jaja and Kambili The umunna always supports
Kambili wake up early to the ancestral traditions because they that they will visit Papa- Papa’s decision, as he provides
sounds of bleating goats and might be un-Christian or Nnukwu today, but only for them with money and food, but
people calling greetings to “uncivilized.” He consults with a fifteen minutes, and not to eat they still recognize the
each other in broken English. Catholic priest before agreeing to or drink anything there. Jaja importance of family and insist
They decide to go downstairs take part in any explicitly and Kambili have only been that the children be allowed to
and start their prayers before Nigerian ceremony. Though he is allowed to visit their see their grandfather. Papa
Papa calls them. The house has very charitable, Papa also buys grandfather since he called a always prefers walls, to cut off
four stories, but the family things he doesn’t need, just to meeting of the umunna (large the outside world that he
only uses the bottom two. The prove his stature—like an extra extended family) to complain disagrees with, and so he bars
upper two were last used for two floors of his house. that he never saw his any non-Christians from his land,
the party when Papa took the grandchildren. Papa then even his own father. Jaja and
omelora title—but only after 2 agreed to allow the children to Kambili continue in their isolated
consulting with a priest and “greet” him every year. Papa existence.
ensuring that there were no himself never goes along, and
pagan undertones to his title- he sends his father only a small 2 3
taking ceremony. amount of money. Papa-
Nnukwu has never entered the
Mama and Papa come Papa not only prefers to speak
family’s mansion, as Papa
downstairs and start to pray English, but also wants to hear it
mandates that no heathens
with the children. Soon a even in his home village. He
will set foot in it.
visitor comes, asking for parrots the colonial mindset by
presents for his children. He equating Western-ness with Even though Papa-Nnukwu Papa has a mansion to spare, but
speaks English, as Papa likes it “good sense.” Papa has chosen lives nearby, Kevin drives the he is so concerned with
when the villagers speak religion over family, leading him children so that he can keep an preserving his strict Catholic
English to him—he says it to cut ties even with his own eye on them. They arrive at dogma that he lets his father
shows “good sense.” Papa father. The importance of family Papa-Nnukwu’s tiny house, continue to live in near poverty.
promises the man some bonds is an important theme in which has no bathroom. They Kambili believes Papa’s words
presents when the prayers are the novel, and one of Papa’s go in and Papa-Nnukwu greets literally, as usual, and searches
done. After all the recitations greatest mistakes is denying this them happily, half-jokingly Papa-Nnukwu for some sign that
each family member prays familial love when it contradicts offering them food even he is destined for hell.
their own prayer. Papa ends his idea of truth, of rigidly though he knows they are
with a twenty-minute prayer sticking to rules rather than more forbidden to eat there. Kambili 2 3
that includes a request that flexibly responding to love. examines him for “signs of
Papa-Nnukwu convert to Godlessness,” and though she
Christianity and so be saved 1 2 3 5 cannot see any she is sure they
from hell. He follows this with must be there.
a long description of hell’s
torments.

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Jaja and Kambili ask about his Papa-Nnukwu brings up the Kambili remembers how Papa This contrast shows just how
health, and Papa-Nnukwu says importance of family, something used to treat Mama’s father, much Papa’s colonial mindset
that their Aunty Ifeoma brings Jaja and Kambili are entirely their Grandfather, in an affects his interactions with
him medicine when she can unfamiliar with outside of their entirely different way. people. Papa “loves” Grandfather
afford it. He says that Ifeoma own isolated house. Aunty Grandfather was very light- because he is light-skinned,
and her children will come to Ifeoma will now begin to appear skinned and always spoke Catholic, and speaks English, but
Abba this year. They did not as a major character, and she is English, and was a devout rejects his own father. In this
last year, as Ifeoma has been first presented as a contrast to Catholic. Papa was always very case, at least, Papa’s love is
struggling for money ever Papa—she has no money to respectful and friendly to him, based entirely on religious and
since her husband died. Papa- spare, but still tries to help her treating him as if her were his cultural grounds.
Nnukwu declares that Kambili father, and brings her children to own father. Papa still talks
and Jaja should know their spend time with him. proudly about Grandfather, 1 2 3 5
cousins better, and that their and how he converted most of
lack of contact is “not right.” 3 the people of Abba itself. Papa
They never see Ifeoma’s keeps a photograph of him on
children because Ifeoma and the wall.
Papa quarreled about Papa-
The children come home and Kambili tries to uphold Papa’s
Nnukwu, and whether he
Kambili asks Jaja if he will sense of sin and order, but she
should be allowed into Papa’s
confess about offering to drink and Jaja also can’t help feeling a
house.
in Papa-Nnukwu’s house. Jaja natural human affection for their
Papa-Nnukwu eats, and Jaja and Kambili feel a natural says he was just trying to make grandfather, one that is difficult
Kambili watches him swallow love for their grandfather. They Papa-Nnukwu feel better. to reconcile with Papa’s image of
with difficulty. He offers to buy adopt the strict rules Papa They eat lunch and then Papa Papa-Nnukwu as a Godless
them soft drinks, saying that enforces in the house, but they returns. He is angry that they heathen destined for hell.
they surely cannot be heathen. have not yet taken the stayed 25 minutes at Papa-
Jaja first declines, but then interpersonal love out of Nnukwu’s house instead of 15. 2 3 4
says that if he were thirsty, he Christianity as Papa has. Papa Kambili expects Papa to hit
would drink in Papa-Nnukwu’s chooses rules and order at the them, but he only sends them
house. Papa-Nnukwu praises expense of affection and love for away to pray for forgiveness.
Jaja for speaking wisely. Jaja people. Through Aunty Ifeoma,
Kambili and Jaja then hear In Abba the children get glimpses
nudges Kambili, as it is time Adichie will now begin to present
Papa yelling outside. He is of their family and roots, but they
for them to go, but Kambili an alternate form of Catholicism
angry that a “worshiper of also see how hard Papa works to
finds herself unable to leave, and the family unit—one that is
idols,” an old man named isolate them from anything that
wanting to stay and help Papa- more flexible and open-minded.
Anikwenwa, has entered the he doesn’t agree with. An
Nnukwu. Finally Jaja stands up
2 3 5 compound. Anikwenwa important tradition is being
and they go. Kevin gives Papa- respectful to one’s elders, but
accuses Papa of being
Nnukwu some money from Papa has chosen to forsake this
disrespectful to his elders.
Papa, and Papa-Nnukwu virtue when it comes to religious
Some men lead him away at
thanks him, despite the difference.
Papa’s command, but as he
coldness of sending money
leaves Anikwenwa says Papa is
though a driver. 2
like a “fly blindly following a
corpse into the grave.”

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
CHAPTER 6 Aunty Ifeoma goes on to Though Papa also opposes the
criticize the “military tyrant” Head of State, he never talks
Aunty Ifeoma arrives the next Aunty Ifeoma now appears in the
ruling the country now. She about politics with his family.
day. She is as tall as Papa is, flesh, and she is just as powerful
says that they have not had Aunty Ifeoma is outspoken in
and walks and speaks quickly a force as Papa is. She will
fuel for months in Nsukka, public and in private, and
and with purpose. She hugs ultimately come to disrupt
where she lives. Ifeoma is a encourages others to speak their
Kambili and teases her, but Kambili’s ordered but frightened
professor at the university minds as well. Kambili, who often
Kambili only knows to be polite life, showing her a new kind of
there, and she says that many fears to speak at all, finds
and quiet. Ifeoma says that her freedom and interpersonal
of her colleagues have been Ifeoma’s confidence totally
children are visiting Papa- connection. For now, however,
leaving to go to America, as the foreign but also admirable.
Nnukwu and listening to his Ifeoma’s fearlessness is
professors aren’t being paid. Ifeoma clearly lives a very
stories. Mama comes in and uncomfortable and scary to
Ifeoma says she is cooking with different life from her brother,
brings Ifeoma some food and Kambili, as it implies that Papa is
a kerosene stove now, as there and does not share in his wealth.
drinks. Ifeoma calls Mama only mortal, not some infallible
is no gas. Mama offers to give
nwunye m, which means “my perfect man. 1 4 5
her gas cylinders from Papa’s
wife,” to show that she accepts factory, but Ifeoma declines.
her as the wife of the 1 2 3 5
Kambili watches Aunty
family—but it is part of an
Ifeoma, mesmerized by the
“ungodly tradition” according
“fearlessness” of her speech
to Papa.
and movements.
Aunty Ifeoma and Mama talk, Ifeoma is a liberal, well-educated
Papa comes in and Aunty When Papa and Ifeoma interact,
and Ifeoma suggests that they woman who is just as intelligent
Ifeoma tells him that Jaja and Papa suddenly seems like a mere
go to the traditional Aro and forceful as Papa is, but has
Kambili should spend time human, which is terrifying to
festival the next day. Mama chosen a completely different
with her tomorrow. Kambili Kambili. We see how different
says that Papa would never let direction for her life. She first
feels a strange fear when the two siblings view the world,
the children go to a “heathen disrupts the order of Papa’s
Ifeoma speaks to Papa—she is despite their similar upbringing
festival.” Ifeoma suggests just family simply by implying that
flippant about it, and doesn’t and education: Papa chooses
telling him that they’re going Papa might be wrong or
seem to realize that Papa is English and strict Catholicism,
for a drive. Ifeoma is imperfect, and suggesting that
“different, special.” In the while Ifeoma chooses Igbo and a
outspoken and confident, and Mama, Jaja, and Kambili should
conversation Aunty Ifeoma flexible Christianity that allows
she disparages the people of disobey or deceive him. Ifeoma is
speaks in Igbo, while Papa for non-Western traditions.
her late husband’s home Catholic, but still in touch with
speaks in English. Ifeoma says
umunna. Mama in turn and respectful of her father’s 1 2 3 5
that the cousins need to spend
expresses her gratitude that traditions, and she feels no
time together. Finally Papa
Papa did not do as his umunna qualms about taking her children
agrees, as long as they stay
suggested and take a new wife. to non-Christian festivals.
away from anything “ungodly.”
Mama says that then she
would be a woman without a 1 2 3 4 5 Ifeoma’s children arrive at the The cousins hardly know each
husband, which is worthless. house. The oldest is fifteen- other at all, and the differences
Ifeoma counters that year-old Amaka, then her between them are immediately
“sometimes life begins when fourteen-year-old brother obvious. Amaka is Kambili’s age,
marriage ends,” and Mama Obiora, and then seven-year- but clearly outspoken, confident,
smiles in response to Ifeoma’s old Chima. Papa greets them and culturally conscious. Faced
“university talk.” and gives them all money. with someone expressing herself,
Amaka immediately starts Kambili finds herself again
questioning Kambili about the unable to speak properly.
expensive satellite TV, asking if
they can watch CNN. Kambili 3 5
nervously coughs an answer,
thinking that Amaka seems
much older than she is.

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Kambili finally says that they Like Kambili’s classmates, Amaka Papa-Nnukwu gets in the car One of the most noticeable
don’t watch TV, and Amaka is takes Kambili’s silence and and jokes with Aunty Ifeoma differences between the two
shocked. She thinks that it’s reserve for privilege and and her children. They all laugh families is simply the level of
because Kambili and Jaja are snobbishness. We now see that except for Jaja and Kambili. noise. Jaja and Kambili live in a
bored by it, and sarcastically Papa has purchased all the Kambili tries to smile, but frightened or respectful silence,
says that wishes she had that technology and luxuries expected stops when they drive past the while Ifeoma’s children are
problem. Kambili doesn’t say of a rich Western man—but he gates of Papa’s house. Papa- always laughing and saying
that there is no TV time on never allows his family to Nnukwu complains that the whatever comes into their heads.
their schedules, even though actually use or enjoy them. missionaries turned his son
they have a satellite dish on against him, but Ifeoma points 1 3 5
both houses. Ifeoma’s family 1 3 5 out that she went to the
then leaves to see Papa- missionary school too.
Nnukwu again and then go to While Papa sees Papa-Nnukwu
After a long pause Papa-
Ukpo, where Ifeoma’s late as having chosen hell by refusing
Nnukwu repeats his claim that
husband was from. Kambili to convert, Papa-Nnukwu sees
the missionaries misled his
watches them talking and Papa as having been
son, but then he turns the
laughing as they walk out. brainwashed by the British
story of the first missionary in
The next morning Aunty Ifeoma thinks nothing of women Abba into a joke. They arrive at missionaries. Jaja and Kambili
Ifeoma drives in to pick up Jaja wearing pants or of picking up Ezi Icheke, where the festival is are finally introduced to some
and Kambili. She suggests that her father on the taking place. It is very traditional Igbo culture,
Kambili wear trousers, and way—something that is still crowded, and people dressed something Papa has always tried
Kambili doesn’t admit that she confusing for Kambili, who holds as mmuo, or spirits, parade to keep from them.
doesn’t own any because they Papa’s rules to be infallible. past while hawkers sell food
are “sinful” for women. They Kambili’s worries that Papa will and drinks. Kambili nervously 1 2 3
get into Ifeoma’s rusty, rattling find out that she and Jaja even thinks that it all seems like
car and set off. Ifeoma says saw Papa-Nnukwu again what Papa would call “devilish
they are picking up Papa- highlights just how rigid Papa’s folklore.”
Nnukwu on the way, and rules are.
Papa-Nnukwu explains the Papa-Nnukwu doesn’t actually
Kambili and Jaja feel a surge of
2 3 mmuo as they walk past, and believe that the costumed people
fear and guilt.
he tells the women to look are spirits, but he follows the
They stop at Papa-Nnukwu’s Papa sees things only in black away as a particularly powerful traditions of the festival because
house and Ifeoma’s children and white, as either sinful or not, one passes, wearing a skull, it is part of his family and
get out. Jaja and Kambili stay while Ifeoma has a more flexible grass, and dead animals. culture—as Ifeoma says, he is a
in the car. Ifeoma asks them worldview, one that focuses on Kambili looks away as told, but traditionalist, not a pagan.
why they won’t go in, and interpersonal relations more feels guilty about “deferring to Obiora is two years younger than
Kambili says that it’s because than strict rules. Papa has a heathen masquerade.” Jaja Jaja, but there will soon be many
Papa-Nnukwu is a pagan. She trained his children to asks Papa-Nnukwu about the instances where Obiora seems to
thinks that Papa would be dehumanize anyone who is not people inside the mmuo be the older one, as he has
proud of her for saying that. Catholic. costumes, but Ifeoma tells him embraced his independence,
Ifeoma says that Papa- that everyone is supposed to while Jaja still submits to Papa.
Nnukwu is not a pagan, but a 1 2 3 pretend that they’re really
traditionalist. Kambili only spirits. Ifeoma then realizes 1 2 3
knows that neither of those that Jaja didn’t do the ima
things means Catholic, so he is mmuo, a ceremony of entering
destined for hell either way. manhood. Obiora, who is
younger, has done it. Jaja looks
ashamed.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
They leave and drop off Papa- Amaka is clearly bitter about her The family gets home and their Kambili and Jaja still don’t admit
Nnukwu. When Aunty Ifeoma cousins’ wealth and perceived house is full of people. The that they never use their
drops off Jaja and Kambili, snobbishness, and she doesn’t wives of their umunna (large expensive gadgets, and so Amaka
Amaka loudly says she doesn’t want to make friends with extended family in the village) continues to think that they are
want to go inside. That night Kambili. Kambili’s silence is so are cooking huge amounts of spoiled and snobbish. Kambili
Kambili dreams of herself tragically pervasive that she can’t food in the backyard. Kambili admires her cousins’ easy
laughing. She doesn’t know even imagine the sound of her goes upstairs, and while she is laughter, but for now she has to
what her own laughter sounds own laughter. changing she hears her cousins plan ahead and pace her
like, so in her dream it sounds and Aunty Ifeoma arrive. She breathing just so she won’t
like Aunty Ifeoma’s laughter. 3 5 can hear them all laughing. stutter. The poor villagers take
Kambili goes out, pacing her advantage of Papa’s hospitality.
CHAPTER 7 breathing so she won’t stutter.
Amaka asks her and Jaja about 3 5
On Christmas Papa takes the Ifeoma and Amaka go to the their stereo, wondering if they
family to Mass, but beforehand same church, but they don’t are bored with it like the TV.
they see Aunty Ifeoma and her abide by the rules Papa has They don’t admit that they
children. Ifeoma and Amaka decreed for the women of his never play it, but only listen to
are both wearing bright red house. Kambili’s awakening as a the news on Papa’s radio
lipstick. During Mass Kambili young woman coincides with her during “family time.”
thinks about that lipstick, and experience of starting to doubt
imagines wearing it herself. At Papa for the first time. Even Obiora puts on a record of Papa’s view of the Igwe versus
Mass the priest doesn’t discuss something as simple as lipstick choirs singing. Chima goes to the bishop shows his pro-
anything religious, but instead becomes an important image she the bathroom and exclaims Western worldview—the Igwe is
complains about the lack of can cling to, a symbol of a life about how nice it is. Sisi comes a “heathen” ruler and not worthy
money and building materials and freedom she has never up to say that the Igwe (local of being bowed to, while the
for the priest’s new house. known before. royalty) has arrived to visit bishop is a civilized and Godly
Kambili can tell that Papa is Papa, and so the family goes man, so it isn’t sinful to kiss his
displeased. The family sits in 1 2 3 downstairs to greet him. ring. Papa is important enough
the front with the other Kambili remembers the last that the Igwe will even come to
“important” people. time they had visited the visit him after Papa refused to
Igwe’s palace, and Mama had return to the Igwe’s palace. Here
After Mass there is a Papa is clearly shown as a Christ- greeted him in the traditional we also see more examples of
fundraising event at the hall figure here, as he modestly funds way for women, by bowing low Papa casually using violence as
next to the church. Papa writes the whole church and then to him. Later Papa told her it punishment for a perceived sin.
a single check and gives it to an leaves, with people touching his was sinful to bow to another
usher. When the amount is tunic just as they did to Jesus. In ruler, and they did not visit the 1 2 6
read out, the priest starts to public he does indeed do much Igwe again. Hoping to impress
dance and Papa leaves with the good, which adds to the Papa, Kambili had later refused
family. As he walks out of the complexity of his character. to kiss a bishop’s ring, but Papa
hall, people touch Papa’s tunic pulled her ear for this and said
as if it might heal them. 2
the bishop was a man of God.

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The family goes downstairs Mama only seems able to confide Amaka catches Kambili Kambili only has experience with
and greets the Igwe. Aunty in Ifeoma, though always in eavesdropping but doesn’t say twenty-minute prayers before
Ifeoma bows to him, but whispers and behind closed anything. She tells her that meals, but to Ifeoma Papa’s long
Mama shakes his hand. Then doors. Mama keeps everything Papa has come up to have prayers are ridiculous. In Papa’s
they go back upstairs, leaving hushed up and respectable, while lunch. They sit down and Papa house, meals are usually silent or
Papa with the Igwe. Amaka Ifeoma is willing to speak her prays for more than twenty polite, but here Ifeoma
and Jaja go off to discuss a mind and be rude—something minutes over the meal. Ifeoma immediately confronts Papa with
book, and Chima and Obiora that is confusing to Kambili’s mutters about the rice getting a hard truth—that he never calls
play a card game, laughing. usual world of violence-enforced cold, but Papa ignores her. As her, and that his children have
Kambili stands outside silence. We see that like Papa- they eat, Ifeoma insists that never gotten to know hers.
Mama’s door, listening to her Nnukwu, Ifeoma was offered Papa let Jaja and Kambili visit
whisper to Aunty Ifeoma, money from Papa as long as she her in Nsukka to get to know 2 3 5
trying to convince her to ask started to follow his strict rules. their cousins better. Papa tries
Papa for a gas tank. Ifeoma Ifeoma is proud and independent to change the subject, but
reminds her that Papa offered enough to stand up to Papa, Ifeoma presses on, and asks
to buy her a car years ago, but though it means a harder life for Papa why he never picks up a
only if she sent Amaka to her and her children. She chose phone and calls her.
convent school, stopped independence over wealth.
Sisi brings more juice, the kind The family dynamic at Ifeoma’s
wearing makeup, and joined a house is clearly very different.
1 2 3 4 5 Papa’s factories make. Amaka
Catholic society. Ifeoma says Amaka sees no problem with
tries it and politely suggests
she wants the things Papa’s speaking her mind and critiquing
that Papa make it less sweet.
money can buy, but she won’t Papa’s juice. The comment that
Kambili is so nervous that she
“lick his buttocks” to get them. the juice is too sweet can be
knocks over her glass. Amaka
Aunty Ifeoma goes on, saying Ifeoma speaks the hard truths keeps talking to Papa, asking taken as a metaphor for how
that her husband, Ifediora, did that no one is willing to say to him about the rumored Papa conducts his family life in
not get along with Papa Papa, and that Kambili has never appearances of the Virgin general: making it artificial,
because Ifediora was willing to even considered. Kambili still Mary at the tiny village of controlled, isolating it from any
tell the truth to Papa’s face, sees Papa as a godlike figure, Aokpe. Aunty Ifeoma suggests bitter outside forces. We have
and Papa does not want to whose violent punishments are that Jaja and Kambili should already seen, from the Palm
hear truths he doesn’t like. frightening but not undeserved. come visit her, so she can take Sunday meal, that Mama,
Ifeoma says that Papa- To Ifeoma, however, Papa is just them and her own children to Kambili, and Jaja are supposed
Nnukwu is dying, and Papa still a man too obsessed with Aokpe. Papa looks pleased, and to politely compliment the juice
won’t let him into the house. Western Catholic dogma and offers to let Jaja and Kambili when it is served. Ifeoma knows
She says that Papa should stop unwilling to hear views that visit for a day or two. Ifeoma that Papa can only be convinced
trying to do God’s job—he contradict his own. insists that they stay for a by something religious.
should let God do the judging. week.
Ifeoma says that the umunna 2 3 4 5 2 3 5
will tell Papa whatever he
wants to hear, as long as he
provides them with food and
money.

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The next day is Sunday, and the Part of Papa and Father The family leaves after New Once again Adichie juxtaposes
family plans to go to early Benedict’s strict Catholicism Year’s. The wives of the Papa’s domestic violence with his
Mass. Kambili wakes up and involves demonizing of women’s’ umunna take all the leftover public philanthropy, as he goes
sees that her period has bodies. Women are not allowed food, even what seems spoiled. out of his way to support his
started. She showers and to show their legs or their hair; As they drive away, the gate workers and their families.
dresses, making sure to cover Mama is beaten for feeling sick man waves at them, and Kambili is still mostly sheltered
her hair properly as Papa and from her pregnancy; and there is Kambili remembers him telling from the government’s
Father Benedict like. Kambili’s no accommodation for Kambili’s them that Papa had paid for corruption, but she gets glimpses
cramps start to hurt, and she cramps on the morning of Mass. his children’s school and of the violence and oppression
asks Mama for Panadol, a Mama sympathizes with helped get his wife a job. Papa that come with a military regime.
painkiller. She must eat food Kambili, but knows they must be recites the rosary as he drives.
with the pill, but it is only secretive. Soon they come to a 1 2 4 6
twenty minutes before Mass, checkpoint, where there has
and the Eucharist fast 1 2 4 5 been an accident. A dead man
demands an hour of fasting is lying beside the road. Papa
before communion. Mama says that the police set up
whispers that Kambili should checkpoints in wooded areas
eat a few cornflakes quickly. so that they can hide the
money they extort.
Jaja makes Kambili a bowl of Papa holds the purity of the
cereal, saying that they will ritual of Mass higher than the The family returns to Enugu, Adichie is bitingly ironic here, as
hear Papa before he comes physical well being of his and two days later Papa takes Papa thinks of white people as
upstairs. Kambili is almost daughter. They all try to take the the family to confession at being more spiritual and never
finished eating when Papa blame, but no one defends Father Benedict’s house. He concerned with material things,
enters. He quietly asks what is themselves or fights back against hadn’t wanted to go to when the very “Christian”
going on. Mama and Jaja both Papa. His sense of sin and confession in Abba, because colonizing of Nigeria was based
try to take the blame, and Papa punishment is so deeply instilled the priest there wasn’t on material gain of exploiting
asks if the devil has infected in his children that they almost “spiritual” enough, and was too African resources—not to
them all. He takes off his belt feel they deserve his concerned with building mention Europe’s long history of
and beats all of them. punishments. Papa himself churches and statues. Papa building extravagant churches
Afterward he asks sadly why always cries or is upset says that white people would instead of feeding the poor.
they like sin, and then he hugs afterwards, but it doesn’t stop not be concerned with such
Jaja and Kambili, asking if they him from being violent again. things. 1 2
are hurt. Everyone changes
clothes, and they go to later 2 3 4 6
Mass.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Papa, Mama, and then Jaja go Jaja and Kambili still share their The next morning Kevin puts Papa tries to control his children
in. Kambili asks Jaja with her “language of the eyes,” and also a two gas cylinders in the car, from afar via their schedules, but
eyes if he remembered his sense of guilt whenever they along with lots of food. Papa he also weeps when they
words to Papa-Nnukwu about break one of Papa’s rules. In this gives Jaja and Kambili leave—they are the center of his
offering to drink in his house, interaction with Father Benedict, schedules for their time in life too, even though he mistreats
and Jaja nods. Kambili goes we see that the British priest Nsukka. They include two them. Jaja and Kambili leave
into the room. It is a more supports Papa in his strict set of hours each day for “time with Papa for the first time, and are
personal interaction than a rules about sin and punishment. your cousins.” He hugs them, about to experience a new kind
confessional, as she and Father Father Benedict believes that his hands shaking, and says of freedom and independence.
Benedict are face to face. any traditional Nigerian that he has never been without
Kambili confesses, but Father ceremony is “heathen” and them for more than a day. As 3 4
Benedict keeps asking her if therefore sinful. they drive away Kambili sees
she has something else. that Papa is crying.
Kambili cannot think of 1 2 5
anything, until Father Benedict CHAPTER 8
leads her into saying that she
enjoyed looking at the mmuo. As Kevin drives them Kambili We see the casual and pervasive
Father Benedict says that it is notices all the burned and corruption among the police and
wrong to “take joy in pagan broken cars on the side of the soldiers, where everyone takes
rituals,” and gives Kambili her road. At the town of Opi they bribes. Papa, who stands up
penance. come to a police checkpoint. against this kind of immorality in
Kevin throws the policeman the government, refuses to bribe
As the family drives home, While Papa enforces his religion some money and he waves them, even though it wastes time
Papa happily declares that on his family with violence and them on, saluting mockingly. for him and he has plenty of
they are all “spotless” now, and control, he still seems to take Kambili knows that if Papa money to spare. Part of the
that if they died they would go some joy in Christianity on were in the car, Kevin would tragedy of Papa is that in many
straight to heaven. When he occasion—or at least after have let the officers ways he is an admirable
gets home he is still in a good confession, when there is a painstakingly search the car character.
mood, and he calls Aunty moment without guilt or fear of and his papers. Papa won’t
Ifeoma. He says that Jaja and punishment. bribe anyone because, he says, 1 4
Kambili can go to Aokpe as “we cannot be a part of what
long as they remember that 1 2 3
we fight.”
the sightings of the Virgin have
not been verified by the They reach Nsukka and drive Ifeoma is a professor at the
church. They will go to Nsukka down a road riddled with University of Nigeria in Nsukka,
the next day and stay for five potholes. They come to the where Adichie herself also first
days. University of Nigeria, where studied. Papa has two houses,
Kevin asks for directions. while Aunty Ifeoma can only
Jaja and Kambili pack their Mama remains meek and Kambili and Jaja notice a afford a small flat in an
things, and Mama suggests submissive, but she still manages statue of a lion on the apartment building. The lion’s
that they bring food and gas to assert a small amount of university lawn, with the motto motto seems ironic after the
cylinders from the factory. control in persuading, or tricking, “To restore the dignity of man.” casual bribery in the previous
Papa is suspicious of this Papa into give Ifeoma some gas They drive into Aunty Ifeoma’s scene.
suggestion, but then agrees. cylinders. Despite his violence, neighborhood and find her
Jaja and Kambili both Papa is still the center and apartment, which is one of 1 3
nervously admit to each other foundation of his children’s’ lives, many in a large apartment
that they want to go to and it’s scary for them to leave building.
Nsukka, but Kambili feels him.
afraid of spending time away
from Papa’s presence. 3 4

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Aunty Ifeoma comes out and Their arrival at Ifeoma’s flat is Amaka starts to change and Again Amaka assumes that
hugs Jaja and Kambili, and is overwhelming to Kambili and talks to Kambili, who sits Kambili is being snobby and
delighted to see the food and Jaja. They are used to silence, a nervously on her bed. Amaka looking down on Nsukka, when
gas cylinders, which she knows huge house, and a servant to says that Nsukka is boring actually Kambili is never allowed
came because of Mama. She keep things clean. Ifeoma’s flat compared to Enugu, though to do anything fun. Ifeoma and
does a little dance and hugs then seems especially loud and Kambili has hardly ever been her children are more casual and
Kambili again, and Kambili crowded. Kambili and Jaja only to the “happening places” in confident with their bodies, as
notices that she smells of ever seem to read the Bible and Enugu that Amaka names. they don’t have the guilt Papa
nutmeg. Ifeoma leads them their schoolbooks, while Ifeoma Amaka asks Kambili why she has instilled in his children.
inside and Kambili is struck by is very well-read. There aren’t speaks so quietly, but Kambili
how small and dense the flat is. even enough bedrooms for has no answer. Amaka takes off 2 3 5
The air smells like curry, Ifeoma’s children, so everyone her dress and Kambili averts
nutmeg, and kerosene. The must share. her eyes, panicked about
bookshelves are packed full of sinning.
books. Ifeoma says that she 3
Amaka turns on some music, Amaka is young but already
sleeps in a room with Chima.
saying that her sound system considers herself an activist.
Kambili will sleep in Amaka’s Unlike Papa, she rejects the
must be nothing compared to
room, and Jaja will sleep with Eurocentric colonial mindset
Kambili’s. Amaka says that she
Obiora in the living room. that whiteness is superior, and
likes “culturally conscious”
Kevin comes inside to say he is Kambili is excited to temporarily indigenous musicians like Fela, she wants to assert her pride as a
leaving. Kambili has a sudden escape Papa and experience not American pop like most Nigerian. She doesn’t listen to
urge to run after him and ask freedom, but she is also afraid of other teenagers. Kambili Western music, and even paints
him to take her back, but she the unknown—Papa is violent doesn’t say that she has no Jesus (whom Kambili has always
doesn’t. Aunty Ifeoma speaks but he is also familiar and sound system and doesn’t imagined as being white) as dark-
casually, as if this visit were a protective. In Kambili’s family know any pop music. Instead skinned.
usual occurrence. She is everyone is always quiet and she asks about a painting on
cooking in the kitchen, and polite, while Ifeoma’s family the wall: a Virgin and Child, 1 4 5
talks and laughs as she chops greets them familiarly. Kambili is with both Mary and Jesus as
and stirs. A few minutes later immediately left alone with her dark-skinned. Amaka says that
her children arrive—they had cousin, though she is constantly she painted it.
been visiting a family friend, a afraid of Amaka’s confident
Amaka and Kambili return to Kambili’s first impressions often
priest named Father Amadi. scorn.
the kitchen and then they all center around the fact that
The cousins all hug, though Ifeoma’s family is much poorer
3 5 sit down on the mismatched
Amaka hardly acknowledges chairs at the peeling dining than her own. Nothing in the flat
Kambili. Obiora invites Jaja room table for lunch. Aunty matches or is new, there isn’t
along with him to get soft enough room for everyone, and
Ifeoma says a brief prayer and
drinks. Amaka goes into her there is never extra food.
then eats, joking that she
room, and Ifeoma tells Kambili
doesn’t say Mass over every
to go with her.
meal like Papa does. They eat, 2 3
and Ifeoma’s children are
excited about having both
chicken and soft drinks at one
meal.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Everyone talks and laughs Kambili is confused by how Amaka asks if Jaja and Kambili Amaka has chosen to see Kambili
loudly as they eat, and Aunty different this family dynamic is. have schedules at home as and Jaja as spoiled and
Ifeoma jokes with her children. Instead of politeness and well. When they say yes, she apathetic, and so she continues
Kambili stays quiet and stares frightened silence, Ifeoma’s says it’s interesting that rich feeding her own perceptions. We
at her plate, confused by the children laugh and say whatever people are so bored that they now start to see Ifeoma’s brand
foreign atmosphere of comes into their heads, and need schedules to tell them of Catholicism, one that is much
freedom. Aunty Ifeoma mostly Ifeoma looks on approvingly. She what to do. Aunty Ifeoma less rigid, more joyful, and
sits back and watches her teaches her children by giving emerges with a rosary and doesn’t deny Igbo culture. Jaja
children banter and laugh, them freedom, while Papa crucifix, and they all kneel and and Kambili enforce Papa’s
looking pleased with them. teaches his by giving them rules. start to recite the rosary. Soon silence on themselves.
After lunch Kambili goes to the Amaka starts singing a song in
bathroom and is confused 3 4 5 Igbo, and Ifeoma and Obiora 1 2 5
when there is no water to flush join in. Jaja and Kambili look at
the toilet. She asks Ifeoma each other and decide not to
about it, and Ifeoma says that sing, because it’s “not right.”
the water runs only in the
Afterwards Aunty Ifeoma The sudden change in
morning.
goes to bed and the cousins atmosphere feels unreal to
The phone rings, and it is Papa. The two most obvious contrasts keep watching TV. Kambili Kambili, and part of her longs for
Kambili speaks to him, and he between the families are that feels like her “real self” is still the strict order and silence of
says that the house feels Kambili’s is much wealthier, but studying in Enugu, while her home. She clings to Papa’s
empty without them, and he Ifeoma’s is much happier. Papa “shadow” is here in Nsukka. schedule even without the
reminds them to study and checks in, reminding his children Kambili remembers what time physical paper.
pray. That evening at dinner of his controlling presence even her schedule said for bed, and
Kambili imagines Papa and when they are away. Kambili and so she goes to sleep. She 4
Mama eating alone, and the Jaja loosen up very slightly in dreams about Amaka flushing
full crates of soft drinks always agreeing to watch TV. her down the toilet.
in their house. Aunty Ifeoma
3 4 The next morning Amaka Jaja opens up more quickly than
and her children watch TV as
wakes up Kambili to fill up Kambili does, and he almost
they eat, and they invite Jaja
their containers of water while immediately starts embracing
and Kambili to join. They are
the water is still running. Jaja the sense of freedom and
forbidden to watch TV, but
is there too, and he tells independence he finds in Nsukka.
they don’t decline the offer.
Kambili about his night Papa’s Catholicism has no place
Aunty Ifeoma says that Jaja Ifeoma does not yet know just sleeping in the living room. He for joy or laughter, so Ifeoma’s
and Kambili can stay up as how controlling and violent Papa seems surprised and happy. prayer is confusing to Kambili.
long as they want watching TV. is, and how deeply this has After getting water the family Religion is not a source of joy for
Jaja pulls out his schedule and affected Jaja and Kambili. The recites some prayers and sings her, but of fear.
says that Papa wants them to idea of scheduled activities is more Igbo songs. Aunty
study in the evenings. Ifeoma indeed laughable for her, as she Ifeoma prays for the 2 3 4 5
looks at the schedule and then values independence and self- university, for Nigeria, and that
starts laughing. She tells them education over strict rules. they might find “peace and
to give her their schedules. Kambili is shocked over and over laughter today.” Kambili is
Jaja protests, but Ifeoma says by this more flexible family mystified by this last request.
that Papa won’t know if they dynamic.
don’t tell him. She says it is her
house, so she will make the 3 4
rules. Ifeoma goes to her room
with the schedules, and
Kambili feels shocked.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
They each take turns bathing Money is a constant concern for Outside the university gates Kambili longs for the kind of
and then Aunty Ifeoma makes Ifeoma, and many of her the car seems to run out of freedom that Ifeoma’s children
a breakfast that seems paltry decisions are based around fuel. The car behind her stops have always known—the
compared to Kambili’s usual frugality, something that is and a woman gets out. She freedom just to choose the thing
one. Ifeoma wants to show foreign to Kambili. The purple sympathizes with Aunty they want, even if it is something
Jaja and Kambili the university hibiscus, which gives the novel its Ifeoma about the lack of fuel. as simple as a fruit. Papa has
and be back for dinner, as she title, finally appears. It is a unique Obiora wants to push the car, always made every decision for
has invited Father Amadi to flower, a result of but Ifeoma turns the key again his family, from the color of the
eat with them. Ifeoma hopes experimentation, intellectual and it starts. On the way home curtains to the schools that Jaja
that she will have enough fuel freedom, and friendship. It will they stop by a hawker selling and Kambili attend.
to drive around the university. come to symbolize the freedom fruits. Ifeoma gives Amaka
As they walk out Jaja admires and independence Jaja and some money and Amaka 1 4
Ifeoma’s purple hibiscuses. Kambili find in Nsukka. bargains for the fruits she
Ifeoma says that a botanist wants. Kambili watches her,
friend of hers created them. 4 wondering what it would feel
Hibiscuses aren’t usually like to do such a thing.
purple. Jaja touches a petal
Back at home Jaja and Obiora Kambili continues to show her
and seems entranced.
go off to play soccer, and privileged lifestyle in her inability
Jaja lingers by the purple Jaja is most entranced by the Kambili stays with Aunty to live as frugally as Ifeoma and
hibiscus, but then they all get purple hibiscuses, just as he is Ifeoma and Amaka to cook. her children. Father Amadi now
in the car. To save fuel, Aunty the first to seek his independence Kambili offers to the peel the appears as a very important
Ifeoma switches off the from Papa after the experiences yam slices, but soon Amaka character. He is a direct contrast
ignition when going downhill. in Nsukka. The flowers also stops her, exasperated, saying to Father Benedict—he is young,
She shows them the different inspire a love for gardening in that she is wasting too much Nigerian, liberal, openminded,
university buildings, and him, and the joy Jaja finds in yam. Father Amadi arrives and fun to be around. He doesn’t
suggests that Kambili might go working in the garden adds to his later, and Ifeoma and her fit Kambili’s idea of a priest at all.
there one day. Kambili realizes strength and ability to assert his family greet him warmly.
that she has never thought individuality. Kambili feels strange calling 2 5
about university, and she him “father,” as he is young and
knows Papa will decide when 4 dressed only in a t-shirt and
the time comes. jeans. Father Amadi asks what
Jaja and Kambili think of
They drive past a hill and Kambili’s idea of God is totally
Nsukka, and Amaka
Aunty Ifeoma says that from dependent on Papa’s pro-
immediately says that they
the top you can see how God Western beliefs—she basically
hate it.
laid out the hills of Nsukka. imagines God as white and
Kambili imagines God laying looking like Father Benedict. The At dinner Kambili is entranced Kambili’s silence becomes even
out the hills with his white corruption in the government by Father Amadi’s melodious more noticeable in the company
hands, which look like Father has led to a lack of utilities and voice. He seems totally at of Ifeoma’s family, and Jaja
Benedict’s. Aunty Ifeoma money, which has led to many home in Aunty Ifeoma’s house, seems better able to find his
points out the vice chancellor’s strikes. Kambili was unaffected and her children talk familiarly voice. Kambili also feels nervous
compound, which was by this at home, but it is a major and joke with him. He asks Jaja in Father Amadi’s presence,
vandalized by students rioting part of Ifeoma’s life. Ifeoma is and Kambili questions about though she doesn’t yet
over the lack of electricity and pleased to hear her children themselves, and Kambili is understand why. Just like Papa-
water one month. Amaka and disagree and form their own grateful that Jaja gives all the Nnukwu, Father Amadi can now
Obiora debate about the opinions, such a contrast to answers. When he hears that become a real, friendly presence
justification for the riots, and Papa. they attend St. Agnes church, instead of just Papa’s idea of
Aunty Ifeoma laughs in her Father Amadi says that he said sinfulness.
“proud-coach-watching-the- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mass there once. Kambili then
team way.” realizes that the visiting priest 2 5
whom Papa had disparaged
was actually Father Amadi.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Aunty Ifeoma tells Father Kambili still idolizes Papa and Amaka half-jokingly asks Amaka’s questions and criticisms
Amadi that her brother almost wants to be associated with him. Father Amadi about the are actually very perceptive, but
single-handedly finances St. Once again Papa’s family learns “doubting Thomas” inside Father Amadi and Aunty Ifeoma
Agnes, and Father Amadi is about his life from an outside everyone as well, but in rarely actually debate with her.
shocked to hear that her source, as he doesn’t tell them response Father Amadi only Kambili’s silence becomes almost
brother is Eugene Achike. He anything of note. Kambili’s makes a face and Amaka a palpable thing, and the more
compliments the Standard for narration, meanwhile, starts laughs. After dinner they say she admires Ifeoma’s family and
telling the truth, and says that subtly lingering on Father the rosary, and Father Amadi Father Amadi, the more the
he heard that Amnesty World is Amadi’s appearance. sings an Igbo praise song. words seem stuck in her throat.
giving Eugene an award. Kambili wants to sing along, She must force herself to be
Kambili feels a rush of pride, 1 2 3 4 5 but she determinedly keeps silent during the singing, but then
and wants Father Amadi (“this her mouth shut. Afterward cannot speak or laugh when
handsome priest”) to associate they watch TV, and Kambili spoken to.
her with Papa. notices Father Amadi watching
her. He remarks that she hasn’t 2 4 5
Aunty Ifeoma says that she Ifeoma reveals that she had to
smiled or laughed all day.
hadn’t even heard of the basically lie to Papa to get him to
Kambili wants to apologize,
award, but she isn’t surprised allow Jaja and Kambili to visit.
but no words will come. She
she didn’t know anything This kind of debate about
gets up and goes to the
about it as her brother never spiritual things would never
bedroom, and hears Father
calls her. She says that she had occur at Papa’s table or be
Amadi’s voice as she falls
to use the pilgrimage to Aokpe approved by Father Benedict.
asleep.
to convince him to let Kambili Father Amadi takes a more
and Jaja visit. She says she openminded approach to his
hadn’t planned on going to faith—one that is more about CHAPTER 9
Aokpe, but that she might as love and joy and less about rules At Aunty Ifeoma’s house there After the overwhelming first day,
well now. Obiora and Amaka and dogma. Amaka continues to is always laughter, and brief Kambili can now assess all the
argue about the validity of the push against Eurocentrism. arguments, and random Igbo differences between her family
Virgin sightings at Aokpe, and praise songs. There is little and Ifeoma’s. Her silence
Amaka says “it’s about time 1 2 3 4 5 meat in the food, and everyone becomes even more powerful as
Our Lady came to Africa.” takes a part in keeping the flat she tries to overcome it. They are
Father Amadi neither very clean. When plate the same age and closely related,
confirms nor denies the washing one day, Amaka but Amaka’s life is incredibly
apparition, saying that we mocks Kambili’s way of different from Kambili’s. Amaka
don’t need to go anywhere to washing dishes, and again continues to see Kambili’s
find the Virgin and her Son. brings up her “fancy schedule.” schedule not as a tool of Papa’s
The two don’t speak again until control, but as a luxury for the
later that day, when two of rich.
Amaka’s friends from school
come over. They are dressed 3 4 5
fashionably and laugh together
over an American magazine.
One of them asks Kambili
about her hair, but she finds
she cannot speak, and so she
starts coughing and runs out.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
That evening as Kambili sets Jaja starts adjusting better than Jaja makes a comment about Adichie now fully portrays the
the table, she hears Amaka Kambili, and he finds a source of the British losing many battles purple hibiscuses as a symbol of
asking Aunty Ifeoma if Kambili joy in working in the garden. before their overall victory, freedom and awakening
and Jaja are “abnormal.” Thus the purple hibiscuses are and Kambili is amazed that he individuality. We cannot see
Ifeoma rebukes her and tells especially symbolic of his journey speaks so easily. She wonders Jaja’s point of view, as he starts
her to respect her cousins, but towards freedom and why he doesn’t stutter and to pull away from Kambili as he
Amaka repeats that independence. Kambili’s silence stay silent like she does. Jaja relishes his newfound freedom
“something is not right with is now keeping her from even the looks comfortable and alive, and she remains more under
them.” Kambili looks over to most normal human interaction. with a light in his eyes she has Papa’s control.
see if Jaja heard, but he is not seen before, but which
watching TV with Obiora, now 3 4 5 appeared when he was in the 1 4 5
looking comfortable in this garden of purple hibiscuses.
new environment. The next Jaja has opened up enough that
Chima notices that Jaja’s little
morning he also seems to fit he has even told Ifeoma about
finger is gnarled and
right in as he helps Ifeoma in Papa’s abuse—something Jaja
deformed, and he asks him
the garden. and Kambili never spoke of
about it. Aunty Ifeoma quickly
Aunty Ifeoma asks Kambili to Ifeoma has also noticed how says that Jaja had an “accident,” before, even amongst
join them in the garden, and “abnormal” Kambili and Jaja are and she sends Chima away. themselves. Jaja’s silence is less
she talks to Kambili about the because of their upbringing, but Kambili meets Ifeoma’s eyes pervasive than Kambili’s, and he
beauty of the plants. Kambili is she isn’t rude about it like and realizes that she knows finds his voice sooner, which
only able to answer “yes” Amaka. Amaka, too, has things to what happened to Jaja’s finger. ultimately leads to the Palm
without any enthusiasm. Some learn about interacting with When he was ten, Jaja had not Sunday scene.
children from the flat upstairs other people and being generous. come in first in his First Holy
try to talk to Kambili, but she Ifeoma tries to slowly draw Communion class. Papa locked 2 3 4 5 6
can only stutter in response. Kambili out of her shell, but himself in a room with Jaja and
Ifeoma says she can go inside if Kambili’s silence is still when they emerged he took
she wants, and she gives impenetrable. Jaja to the hospital. Papa had
Kambili a book to read about purposefully avoided
the historical figure Olaudah 5 damaging Jaja’s writing hand.
Equiano.
The phone rings. Kambili Even as Jaja and Kambili try and
Kambili sits on the veranda Aunty Ifeoma praises the virtues answers, and it is Mama calling escape the frightened silence of
with the book and watches a of being defiant and resisting the to say that soldiers found the Papa’s control, the Nigerian
little girl chase a butterfly. British, hinting that this is what offices of the Standard and Head of State tries to silence
Obiora and Jaja are on the Jaja must do with Papa. By now destroyed the presses and Papa and Ade Coker by
verandah as well, but on the Ifeoma knows that Papa has a furniture, locked the offices, physically shutting down their
other side of the shade. Obiora tyrannical hold over his children, and took the keys. Ade Coker presses. As usual, Papa says
asks Jaja about his name, and and so she starts to try and teach had been arrested again. nothing about his political or
Jaja says that “Jaja” is just a them to be independent. Jaja is a Mama says she is worried public life to his family, but the
nickname that stuck—his real more willing student than about Papa. After she talks to events allow Jaja and Kambili to
name is Chukwuka. Aunty Kambili. Kambili is still stuck on Mama, Aunty Ifeoma buys a stay in Nsukka longer. Now that
Ifeoma says that Jaja might Papa’s rules and his idea of newspaper even though she the Standard is shut down, there
take after the “defiant” king “sacrilege.” hardly ever does, and sees a is no newspaper willing to
Jaja of Opobo, who refused to tiny article about the closing of support free speech and criticize
let the British control his 1 4 the Standard. That night Papa the government.
people’s trade, and so was calls and says that everything
exiled to the West Indies. is fine. He doesn’t mention the 1 4 5 6
Ifeoma looks at Jaja and says Standard. Ifeoma says that Jaja
that defiance, like marijuana, is and Kambili are to stay a few
“not a bad thing when used extra days, and Jaja smiles
right.” Kambili is struck by both joyfully.
her solemnity and her
sacrilege.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
The phone rings early the next Kambili worries about Papa, but The next morning Father Kambili becomes more and more
morning, and Kambili is deep down she still considers him Amadi arrives unshaven and entranced by Father Amadi. She
worried that it is bad news a kind of immortal, godlike wearing shorts, bringing the experiences her first sexual
about Papa being killed. Aunty presence. Father Amadi fuel to Aunty Ifeoma. Obiora feelings at the same time as her
Ifeoma answers, but she continues to act “unpriestly.” Like offers to suck the fuel from the first experience of independence,
doesn’t say who it was. She is Aunty Ifeoma, he seeks out the can to the car’s tank with the and so her growing affection for
irritable and quiet for the rest joy in his religion instead of only garden hose. He does it, and Father Amadi becomes closely
of the day. Father Amadi stops dwelling on sin and punishment. Father Amadi praises him, linked to the freedom she finds in
by during dinner. He says he saying that it is a useful skill. Nsukka.
was playing soccer with some 2 6 Kambili admires Father
boys earlier, and that next time Amadi’s smile. Aunty Ifeoma 4
he will bring Jaja and Obiora emerges wearing black. She
along. Kambili is amazed at the thanks Father Amadi and then
thought of a priest playing leaves for Abba with Obiora.
soccer. Father Amadi invites
Father Amadi leaves, Chima As Jaja tries to pull away from
Kambili along as well.
visits a neighbor, and Amaka Papa he also pulls away from
Father Amadi notices that Obiora is two years younger than goes into her room to listen to Kambili. It may be that he sees
Aunty Ifeoma is upset and he Jaja, but Obiora seems to have a her “culturally conscious” her as part of the toxic home
asks her about it. She says that maturity beyond his years. He is musicians, which Kambili can environment, or just that he gets
she got news that Papa- the “man of the house” after his recognize now. Jaja works in carried away with his new
Nnukwu is sick. She wants to father died, and though Ifeoma is the garden. Kambili asks him, rebelliousness, but the siblings’
bring him to Nsukka. Amaka is still very much in charge, Obiora whispering, if he thinks that relationship only becomes less
upset that her mother didn’t takes on more responsibility than they’re “abnormal.” Jaja only close from now on.
tell her earlier, but Obiora he would otherwise. Jaja, on the says “What does abnormal
remains calm and collected. other hand, is still under Papa’s mean?” and goes back to 3 4 5
Kambili notices (as she has control even if he has begun to trimming the plants.
many times by now) that he imagine what it might be like to
Aunty Ifeoma returns that Ifeoma and her family don’t even
seems older than Jaja. Ifeoma not be.
afternoon with Papa-Nnukwu. think about whether Papa-
says she doesn’t have enough Nnukwu is a “heathen” or
3 He seems tired and greets
fuel to get to Abba. Father not—he is just a member of their
Kambili weakly. Amaka and
Amadi offers her some family who needs help. When
Obiora help Papa-Nnukwu
emergency fuel from the Papa-Nnukwu is actually present
into the flat and into Amaka’s
church. and looking so old and frail, it
room. They offer him the bed
That night prayers are more Ifeoma sees Papa-Nnukwu as her but he says he prefers the suddenly seems monstrous that
subdued, and Kambili wonders beloved father, a member of her floor. He lies down and Papa would cut all ties with him
where Papa-Nnukwu will family, and a valuable human, immediately falls asleep. just because of his religion.
sleep when he arrives. She while Papa has learned to only Kambili notices how tall he is
prays that Papa won’t find out see him as a “heathen” who when he is stretched out on 3
if she has to share a room with needs to adopt Papa’s rules. the floor. Amaka offers to cook
a “heathen.” After the rosary Ifeoma’s prayers continue to his favorite meal, but Ifeoma
Aunty Ifeoma prays for Papa- surprise Kambili in their sincere says he has hardly been eating
Nnukwu’s health. Kambili is joy and love. or drinking.
surprised, as Papa only ever
prays that Papa-Nnukwu be 2 3
converted.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Aunty Ifeoma says that the For someone poor like Aunty That night Papa-Nnukwu eats, Ifeoma’s children are close with
doctors at the medical center Ifeoma, the corruption and and everyone is relieved. He Papa-Nnukwu, and they get
are on strike, but that she strikes throughout the country takes his pills and jokes with along well. Jaja and Kambili, on
knows a doctor, Doctor can have a devastating effect, as the children. Amaka seems the other hand, only see him for
Nduoma, who will visit that now she cannot find proper happy even when she 15 minutes a year. They have
evening. He has been running medical care for her father. complains. Suddenly the never heard him tell a story
his own small clinic since the Kambili continues to cling to her power goes off. Obiora asks before.
strike. Later the doctor arrives guilt at breaking Papa’s rules, Papa-Nnukwu to tell them a
and examines Papa-Nnukwu. while Jaja has begun to move folk story. Papa-Nnukwu tells 2 3
Jaja and Kambili sit on the past them and see Papa-Nnukwu the story of why the tortoise
verandah. Jaja is concerned as a person. has a cracked shell.
with Papa-Nnukwu’s health,
1 3 In Papa-Nnukwu’s story, there Kambili has heard all about the
while Kambili is concerned
was a famine and all the evils of Papa-Nnukwu’s
with Papa finding out that they “paganism” but doesn’t actually
animals were starving except
are sharing a house with him. know anything about it. Papa-
for the dog. The tortoise
Kambili is surprised at Jaja’s Jaja seems to actively avoid discovered that the dog was Nnukwu simply tells an old story
tone, as if he doesn’t care Kambili now, as he tries to being taken up into the sky by to entertain his grandchildren
whether Papa finds out or not. escape the silence she is still his mother and getting food and pass on a tradition—there is
She asks him if he told Aunty clinging to. In naming Papa’s there. He blackmails the dog nothing frightening or wicked
Ifeoma about his finger, and he violence and talking about it to into inviting him along as well. about, and so Kambili is
says that he did. Kambili Aunty Ifeoma, Jaja helps rob it of One day the tortoise pretends confused about why it is so sinful.
wonders if he has forgotten its oppressive power. With his to be the dog and calls for the And yet she still can’t bring
that “we never told, that there newfound freedom Jaja seems to dog’s mother, wanting all the herself to enjoy it.
was so much that we never reach a new maturity. food for himself. He is halfway
told.” Jaja gets up and says he to the sky when the dog finds 2 3
wants to clean off Ifeoma’s car. 3 4 5 6 out, and the tortoise falls
As he walks off Kambili notices down, cracking his shell.
how much older and more Everyone laughs except for
broad-shouldered he seems Kambili.
than a week ago.
Doctor Nduoma leaves, and Jaja now prefers Ifeoma’s family CHAPTER 10
Aunty Ifeoma thanks Jaja for to his own, and starts to open up Papa-Nnukwu wakes up Kambili’s feelings towards Father
cleaning her car, calling him by to Aunty Ifeoma as if she were his before everyone else, and they Amadi are definitely romantic
the same title she uses for her own mother. Ifeoma doesn’t have have breakfast with him on the now, but she remains just as shy
sons. She says that she will the extra money to work around verandah as he tells them and silent as before and is afraid
take Papa-Nnukwu to get the medical center strikes and stories about his village. He to speak to him, even actively
tests done, as at least the labs still find proper care for Papa- takes his medicine, and Aunty hiding from him. Her instinct is
at the medical center are still Nnukwu. Papa-Nnukwu’s life is Ifeoma looks relieved. She still toward silence, toward non-
open. The next day she takes in danger, but Papa won’t use his thinks he will get better soon independence. It also seems
him in, but returns and says money to help him. and start asking to return to “unpriestly” to Kambili that a
that the lab staff are now on Abba. Father Amadi drives up Catholic priest would come to
strike as well. She will have to 1 3 check up on a heathen’s health.
to visit Papa-Nnukwu, and
find a private lab in town, Kambili’s hands shake when
which will be more expensive. she sees his car. He is wearing 2 3 5
She looks worried as she goes his priestly robes today, but he
to get Papa-Nnukwu’s still seems comfortable and
medicine. confident. Kambili runs inside
and watches him from the
window.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Father Amadi is delighted to Papa has basically denied Jaja The next morning Aunty Ifeoma understands that Kambili
hear that Papa-Nnukwu is and Kambili outside friendship Ifeoma wakes Kambili up to has only Papa’s word that being
improving, and he says he will and familial love, and so Kambili watch Papa-Nnukwu perform non-Christian is evil, and so she
take Jaja and Obiora to the has never gotten to know her his “declaration of innocence” makes Kambili see for herself.
stadium that evening to play grandfather like Amaka has. rite. He is on the verandah, and Papa-Nnukwu prays for Papa
soccer. He asks about Kambili, Kambili finally starts to realize Kambili observes him. Papa- with a sincerity that Papa never
and she feels grateful to hear and regret this fact. Just as Nnukwu sits next to a lamp and returns in his own prayers. Papa-
him say her name. He drives Kambili and Jaja share a draws chalk lines on the floor Nnukwu prays for Papa’s health
off. Kambili goes into the living language of the eyes, so Amaka as he thanks a god for his many and well-being, while Papa only
room, where Amaka is tending and Papa-Nnukwu seem to blessings and declares his own prays that Papa-Nnukwu
to Papa-Nnukwu, who understand each other without innocence of crime. He prays become a Catholic. Once again
compliments Amaka’s artistic many words. for himself, for Ifeoma, and for there is an aspect of joy and love
skills. Amaka sits down and Papa, asking that the “curse” in religion that is totally foreign
starts to paint him. They speak 2 3 5 on Papa be lifted. He prays for to Kambili, and she starts to long
to each other occasionally, his grandchildren, and that for it.
understanding each other good things come to all who do
without many words. Kambili good. Then he stands up, 2 3
watches and feels a longing for totally naked, and Kambili does
something she will “never not look away. Papa-Nnukwu
have.” gets dressed, smiling. Kambili
thinks that she and her family
Kambili goes into the kitchen. Even as Kambili cries and longs
never smile after saying the
Aunty Ifeoma notices that she for a close relationship with her
rosary.
is crying, but Kambili says that grandfather, the only thing she
something must have flown can say out loud is to repeat Later that morning Amaka Amaka is irritated not just by
into her eyes. Aunty Ifeoma Papa’s dogma. Aunty Ifeoma washes Papa-Nnukwu’s feet Kambili’s privilege but also by
shows Kambili how to prepare now clarifies her different and then continues her her meek submissiveness. Aunty
the coco-yams for her soup. approach to religion—she is still a painting of him. Aunty Ifeoma Ifeoma again tries to draw
Ifeoma praises Papa- Catholic, but she doesn’t force asks Kambili to help her with Kambili out of her shell—when
Nnukwu’s health, saying that her beliefs on others or consider the cooking, and Kambili is Amaka is rude to Kambili, Ifeoma
the Virgin Mary has helped to other beliefs to be without value. again embarrassed at her own rebukes Kambili for her silence
heal him. Kambili asks how the In her explanation of Papa- lack of knowledge. Ifeoma says more than Amaka for her
Virgin could intercede for a Nnukwu she also emphasizes the that Amaka can do it instead, rudeness. And this succeeds, as
heathen. Ifeoma is quiet for a importance of cultural tradition, and Amaka angrily says that Kambili finally finds her voice
while. Then she says that Papa- of valuing where you come from she shouldn’t have to just and is able to speak without
Nnukwu is a traditionalist, not as a source of strength. Kambili is because rich people don’t stuttering or whispering.
a heathen, and that he starting to see how her silence know how to cook. Ifeoma
practices what is familiar to negatively impacts her ability to looks at Kambili and tells her 3 5
him, and that his ceremonies engage with the world, to have to talk back to her cousin.
are similar to Catholic ones. fun in it. Kambili finally answers calmly,
Kambili hears Amaka and saying that Amaka can show
Papa-Nnukwu laughing in the 1 2 3 5 her the right way. Amaka
next room, and wonders if they laughs and says “so your voice
would stop if she entered. can be this loud.”

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Amaka shows Kambili how to Papa-Nnukwu does not hate Father Amadi picks up Kambili Kambili again finds herself only
prepare the orah leaves for the Christianity, but only the kind and as they drive she is able to repeat Papa’s platitudes
soup. Father Amadi arrives that Papa and his white overwhelmed by his presence. when she is nervous. She is still
later, and Kambili nervously missionary teachers She randomly admits that she very confused by the new
shakes his hand. Amaka talks practice—one that rejects sleeps in the same room as environment in Nsukka, and to
to him the most, but his everything about Nigerian Papa-Nnukwu, a heathen. her, Jaja breaking their silence
attention lingers on Kambili. culture as sinful and paganistic. Father Amadi asks why that is and telling the truth about Papa
Father Amadi discusses his Father Amadi, fortunately, a sin, but Kambili can’t answer. is almost a betrayal.
future trip as a missionary. believes in a more inclusive faith. Father Amadi says that Papa
Papa-Nnukwu has been must have told her that. He 2 3 4 5
listening, and he tells Father 1 2 says that Jaja has told him
Amadi to not lie to whomever some about Papa. Kambili
he is trying to convert, or teach looks away, wondering why
them to “disregard their Jaja would do such a thing.
fathers.”
They arrive at the stadium, and Here Father Amadi tries to show
Obiora wonders aloud if there Obiora, like Amaka, brings up Father Amadi suggests they Kambili the joy that he finds in
can ever be religion without real issues about colonialism and play before the boys arrive. Christianity—that it doesn’t
oppression, or oppression Eurocentrism in religion, Kambili admits that she always have to be about guilt
without religion. Father Amadi although Ifeoma and Father doesn’t know any sports. and punishment, but can be
banters with him and Amaka, Amadi never engage his Father Amadi stands up and about laughter and love. Kambili
but then points out Kambili, arguments for real. Father Amadi tells Kambili to prove her love is confused by this idea, while
saying that she is quiet but has now joined Aunty Ifeoma in for Jesus by catching him. He also still confused by her feelings
there is a lot going on in her trying to get Kambili to open up, sprints off, and Kambili runs for Father Amadi. Yet she slowly
head. Kambili locks eyes with even if he has to practically force after him. This happens four starts emerging from her shell.
him and feels panicked. Father her. Kambili is very much times, but Kambili can never
Amadi says that he will take infatuated with him by now, and catch up with him. They sit 2 4
her to the stadium today, just is terrified by her foreign new down on the grass, panting,
the two of them. Amaka feelings. and Father Amadi says that
remarks that Kambili looks Kambili has “good legs for
terrified, but her voice sounds 1 2 4 5 running.” Kambili is nervous to
kinder than usual. Kambili think of him looking at her legs.
looks around at everyone and Father Amadi is clearly flirting
Father Amadi asks Kambili if
wonders how they can all be so with Kambili and recognizes her
she knows how to smile, and
calm in Father Amadi’s feelings for him. He finally
he reaches over and tugs at
presence. manages to draw a smile out of
her lips. She tries to smile but
Father Amadi leaves, and Amaka now starts to act more cannot. He notices the stain on her. Sprinting after Father Amadi
Aunty Ifeoma tells Kambili to sympathetically towards her hand where she wiped the and this smile finally begin to
change into shorts before he Kambili, as if she realizes that the lipstick off, and guesses what it break up the silence in Kambili.
comes back to pick her up. true source of Kambili’s is. Kambili feels embarrassed, Her sexual feelings for Father
Kambili says she doesn’t own meekness. Kambili had admired but then starts to smile. Just Amadi continue to grow as well.
shorts, and Amaka lends her a Amaka and Ifeoma’s lipstick at then the boys arrive to play
pair without sneering or Christmas, and now she has a soccer. Father Amadi takes off 4 5
commenting. Kambili puts chance to wear it herself, but she his shirt and drops it on
them on but avoids looking at still can’t rid herself of guilt about Kambili’s lap as he runs off to
herself in the mirror, wanting vanity. play. Kambili watches him and
to avoid the sin of vanity. She very slowly reaches out to
puts on Amaka’s lipstick, but 2 5 touch the shirt. She holds on to
then wipes it off in a panic it for the whole game.
when Father Amadi arrives.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
On the drive home Father Once again Father Amadi’s When Kambili gets home, As usual, Papa has no concern
Amadi plays a tape of Igbo Catholicism is contrasted with Aunty Ifeoma says that Papa for Papa-Nnukwu’s health or his
worship songs. He says that Papa’s. Papa (and therefore called. He had learned from children’s relationship with their
enjoys playing with the boys, Kambili) sees God as white, and someone in Abba that Papa- grandfather, but only dwells on
as he sees “Christ in their Western culture as superior, Nnukwu was staying at the the fact that they have
faces.” Kambili can only while Father Amadi sees God as house. He was angry about a committed a sin. After Kambili’s
imagine the face of the blond just as present in poor Nigerian heathen living with his moment of joy and freedom,
Christ at St. Agnes. Father boys as white Catholic priests. children, and he wants them to Papa reasserts himself.
Amadi sings along with the come home the day after
tape and his voice is rich and 1 2 5 tomorrow. Ifeoma sounds 2 3 4
melodious. Kambili feels like casual as she says this, but
she is at home, or where she is Kambili is terrified, knowing
meant to be. how angry Papa will be.
Father Amadi points out that Kambili now laughs for the first The next morning Amaka Adichie continues to juxtapose
Kambili hasn’t asked a single time, possibly ever. We see just wakes up Kambili and they go scenes poignantly—now Papa’s
question. He says she should how tragically pervasive the to wake Papa-Nnukwu. They cold and angry call about Papa-
have learned how from silence has been all her life. She shake him but he doesn’t stir. Nnukwu’s “paganism” is
Amaka, and Kambili laughs. manages to ask a spontaneous Amaka panics and calls for her contrasted with Ifeoma and her
She feels strange and wonders question as well. Yet still she mother. Aunty Ifeoma runs in, children’s’ intense and loving
if she has ever heard herself imagines God as white and confirms that Papa-Nnukwu is grief over his loss. Kambili has
laugh. Suddenly she asks British—so much so that God dead, and starts to wail, been so recently reminded of
Father Amadi why he became himself won’t be able to clutching at her father’s body. Papa’s anger and rules, and so
a priest, but then she regrets pronounce her name correctly. Obiora enters and pulls Ifeoma she can’t help thinking of sinning
asking. She knows the right off. He says he will call Doctor even as she mourns her
answer: he would have been 1 2 5 Nduoma, and there is a new grandfather.
“called.” Kambili has imagined authority in his voice. Jaja
God calling her before, in a covers Papa-Nnukwu’s body, 2 3
British-accented voice that and Kambili wants to help him
pronounces her name wrong. but knows it will be sinful to
Father Amadi’s approach to the touch a heathen’s body. She
Father Amadi gives a clichéd
priesthood is much more natural closes her eyes to avoid
answer at first, but when
and heartfelt than Father watching Jaja.
Kambili accepts it he tells her
he was joking. He says that he Benedict’s, and so his faith seems Obiora cries quietly to himself, Even in her grief, Amaka still has
had many questions when that much more alive. Kambili is knowing that he is now the the freedom to cry as loudly as
growing up, and that “the truly falling in love with Father “man of the house.” Kambili she wants. Kambili, Mama, and
priesthood came closest to Amadi by now. There also seems tries to go into the bathroom, Jaja have always had to cry in
answering them.” Kambili to be a suggestion that Father but Amaka is locked inside, silence, to avoid stirring Papa’s
suddenly feels sad that Father Amadi may have feelings for crying. Her crying is loud; anger up further. Obiora
Amadi’s handsome features Kambili, which creates tension Kambili notes that she hasn’t continues to take on more
will never be passed on to a about the relationship through had to learn “the art of silent maturity and responsibility.
child. Father Amadi says he is much of the rest of the novel. crying.” Kambili tells her cousin
late for a meeting, so he must she needs the toilet, and 3 5
drop Kambili off and leave. He 2 5 Amaka comes out, waiting for
says he wants to do this again, Kambili to finish so she can go
and Kambili feels a lightness back in and sob.
and sweetness in her chest.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Two men come with Doctor The workers’ strikes are so Aunty Ifeoma tells Papa that Here Papa truly shows just how
Nduoma to carry Papa- ubiquitous that they can’t even Papa-Nnukwu has died. Papa much he has sacrificed familial
Nnukwu’s body. They couldn’t find a stretcher for a dead body. sits down and puts his head in love and affection for the sake of
get a stretcher because the Papa-Nnukwu took joy in his his hands. Then he asks if his religion and Eurocentric
administrative staff was on family and in his traditions, Ifeoma called a priest to give worldview. He does not grieve
strike as well. The ambulance unlike Papa and his family, and him “extreme unction” before over the death of Papa-Nnukwu
drives off with Papa-Nnukwu’s Papa-Nnukwu’s joy followed him he died. Ifeoma gets angry, the person, but only over the fact
body and Kambili helps Aunty into death. asking why that is all Papa has that Papa-Nnukwu never
Ifeoma clean off his mattress. to say about his own father’s converted before he died. In her
Ifeoma asks if Kambili saw her 1 3 death. Papa says he cannot intense grief Ifeoma loses her
grandfather’s face in death, participate in a pagan funeral, usual calm and confidence and
and Kambili shakes her head. but he will help arrange a breaks down at Papa’s coldness.
Ifeoma says that Papa- Catholic funeral. Ifeoma starts
Nnukwu was smiling. to shout, declaring that she will 1 2 3
never allow Papa-Nnukwu to
The rest of the day everyone is Amaka sees the corruption in
have a Catholic funeral. She
subdued. Amaka laments that Nigeria and their own lack of
snaps her fingers at Papa,
she didn’t finish painting Papa- money as partly responsible for
cursing him and weeping.
Nnukwu. He had said that they Papa-Nnukwu’s death, which
would finish today. Amaka may be true. Kambili wants to Papa gathers Kambili and Jaja The time of blossoming freedom
angrily says that he would be mourn loudly and angrily, but to him, kissing their heads, and and joy is over for now, and
alive now if everyone at the feels that she doesn’t deserve to. he tells them to get their Kambili and Jaja seem unable to
medical center was not on Part of her growing up will be to things. Aunty Ifeoma comes in escape Papa’s tyrannical world.
strike. Kambili wants to be escape her sense of not being as Kambili is packing. She gives But they have been changed by
angry and tearful with her, but deserving. Kambili back her schedule. their experience in Nsukka, and
she knows that Papa-Nnukwu Kambili asks her to tell Father Ifeoma now fully understands
was not close to her like he 1 3 5 Amadi goodbye for her. Ifeoma their plight.
was to Amaka. has wiped away her tears and
looks fearless once more. She 3 4
Obiora then says that “Uncle This scene of loving grief is once
holds Kambili’s hand as they
Eugene” has just parked again juxtaposed with Papa’s
walk out of the house.
outside the flat. Kambili cold anger and overwhelming
suddenly freezes. Papa comes presence. Even Jaja, who has Chima starts to cry as Kevin Amaka’s scorn for Kambili seems
inside and Kambili and Jaja been finding his voice and sense packs up the car. Aunty Ifeoma to have dissolved, and she gives
greet him mechanically. Aunty of freedom, immediately seems says that he will see Jaja soon, her this precious reminder of
Ifeoma says that he should not to slip back under Papa’s control. but Papa doesn’t confirm this. Papa-Nnukwu and her time in
have come, but Papa says that Instead he gives Ifeoma some Nsukka. Papa, as usual, responds
he could not let his children 4 5 money to buy Chima a present. to problems by throwing money
stay any longer. He looks Amaka presses something at them.
around for Papa-Nnukwu. wrapped in black cellophane
into Kambili’s hands, and 3 4
Kambili sees that it is the
unfinished painting of Papa-
Nnukwu. She hides it in her
bag and gets into the car.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Mama answers the door when Jaja does still carry the rebellious Papa calls for Kambili to come This horrifying scene is Papa’s
they arrive. She has a black eye sense of freedom and new voice upstairs. She hesitates, but worst punishment yet. He still
and her face is swollen. Jaja he found in Nsukka, and he talks Mama tells her to go. Papa is in cries and calls Kambili “precious,”
delivers the news about Papa- back once to Papa, though he the bathroom, and he tells and actually thinks that the
Nnukwu when Papa doesn’t immediately falls silent Kambili to climb into the tub. violent punishment is good for
mention it. Papa says that his afterward. Papa’s violence She looks around for a stick, her and will help save her soul
father has gone to face towards Mama has not abated in confused about what he will from hell. Kambili is still helpless
judgment, as Ifeoma didn’t call the children’s’ absence. hurt her with. Then she sees a against Papa, and doesn’t deny
a priest to let him convert tea kettle on the floor. Papa any of the supposed sins she has
before he died. Jaja says 2 3 4 5 6 asks her if she knew that Papa- committed.
“maybe he didn’t want to Nnukwu was coming to
convert.” Papa stares at him in Nsukka, and that she would be 2 4 6
wonder and then tells him to sharing a room with a heathen,
go upstairs and get ready for and if she purposefully didn’t
dinner. tell him on the phone. She
affirms it all. Papa starts to cry
At dinner Papa prays longer Now that she is back at home,
and says that Kambili is
than usual, asking God to Kambili once again notices the
precious, and so she should
forgive his children for their differences between her family
not “walk into sin.”
“sin of omission” of not telling and Aunty Ifeoma’s, notably the
him about Papa-Nnukwu. As wealthy abundance and the lack Papa starts to pour boiling Mama helps her children and
they eat Kambili notices how of joy. Jaja tries to press on and water on Kambili’s feet. tends to them, but does not try to
much meat they all have assert his individuality, pushing Kambili screams, and Papa stop Papa even as he hurts them
compared to at Aunty against Papa for the first time. tells her that when she walks so terribly. This punishment is
Ifeoma’s house. Jaja asks Papa Papa, of course, blames this new into sin, she burns her feet. not Papa lashing out in anger, but
for the key to his room, as he independence on Papa- When the water is gone Papa premeditating a punishment that
wants some privacy—Papa Nnukwu’s unGodly influence. makes to lift Kamili out of the seems to him to fit the crime his
always keeps the keys to both tub, but Mama comes into the children have committed. Even
his children’s rooms. Papa asks 2 3 4 5 bathroom, also crying. She the newly outspoken Jaja
if he wants to masturbate, and puts wet salt on Kambili’s feet submitted to Papa’s punishment.
Jaja says no. Papa laments and then gently carries her to
aloud how living with a her room and gives her 2 3 4 5 6
heathen has corrupted his Panadol. She nods when
children. Kambili asks if she had to go to
Jaja’s room as well. Mama
Everyone is silent for the rest For Kambili, however, the silence
assures her that her feet will
of dinner, and afterward Jaja of life returns. In this almost
be healed in time to go to
follows Papa upstairs. Mama comic example of the curtains we
school tomorrow.
looks through fabric samples see just how much control Papa
for the new curtains, which keeps over his family. Kambili
they have changed every year. and Mama still never speak of
Papa makes the final decision, Papa’s violence, but only of the
but he usually chooses Mama’s figurines, the symbol of Mama’s
favorite shade of beige. quiet submissiveness.
Kambili comments that Mama
has polished the figurines on 3 4 5 6
the étagère. Mama says that
she did it yesterday, and
Kambili looks closer at her
swollen eye.

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After Mama leaves, Kambili We now learn some of the At lunch that day Papa Papa seemed unmoved by Papa-
thinks about Father Amadi backstory behind Papa’s complains about the cost of Nnukwu’s death, but he does at
and her family in Nsukka. She violence. He was punished in pagan funerals. He says that he least pay for a lavish “heathen”
takes Amaka’s painting of similar ways by the missionary has given Ifeoma money for funeral, perhaps feeling guilty
Papa-Nnukwu out of her bag, priests at his school, and he saw Papa-Nnukwu’s funeral. Just and so breaking his own strict
but is still afraid to unwrap it. this punishment as ultimately then, Ade Coker arrives with rules, but also perhaps realizing
Just as she puts it away Papa saving him from sin and hell, and another man and Papa leaves that not showing generosity
enters the room. Kambili feels so he wants to “help” his children the table. Jaja and Kambili try toward his dead father would
a new “flavor” of fear as she by teaching them in the same to hear what they are talking affect his public image. The
worries that Papa knows about way. Kambili still idolizes Papa so about. Ade says that the head political world intrudes into the
the painting. Papa sits on the much that even when he brutally of state (whom Ade calls “Big family’s sphere now. Ade and
bed and reminds Kambili that hurts her she still cannot imagine Oga”) has decided to give him Papa want to publish a story
everything he does is for her him as ever doing anything an exclusive interview, as long accusing the government of
own good. He said that once wrong. as Ade won’t run a story about murdering an activist, and the
he “sinned against his own Nwankiti Ogechi, a pro- Head of State is trying to distract
body” while at missionary 1 2 3 4 6 democracy advocate who has them with an interview, or bribe
school. A priest there made gone missing. The man with them with money (perhaps
him soak his hands in boiling Ade suggests that they hold similar to how Papa whitewashes
water, and Papa never the story about Nwankiti, but his lack of care for his father with
committed that sin again. Ade angrily refuses. They go the funeral). These are the first
Kambili has never imagined into Papa’s study. That evening methods of censorship, and if
Papa committing any sins. the government agents come they fail they will use violence.
Jaja and Kambili still remain to try and bribe Papa.
The next day Kambili tells Jaja 1 2 4 5 6
about the painting. Neither of silent about Papa’s violence, but
them mention their feet. Jaja they can at least speak about The next issue of the Standard Papa doesn’t discuss any of this
says that he also has a secret their reminders of Nsukka’s has Nwankiti Ogechi on the with his family, but it is now
present from Nsukka. In the freedom. The purple hibiscus cover. The story claims that obvious that he has put himself
refrigerator he has some stalks follows Jaja home, as he carries soldiers shot him and then in danger by publishing the story
of purple hibiscus, wrapped in his new freedom and poured acid on his body. about Nwankiti Ogechi’s alleged
black cellophane like the individuality back to Enugu. During “family time” that day murder. It has embarrassed the
painting. Jaja plans to give they hear on the radio that Head of State on an
them to the gardener to plant. 4 5 6 Nigeria has been suspended international scale, and so Papa’s
His eyes shine when he talks from the Commonwealth allies fear that the government
about the hibiscuses. Nations because of the will respond with violence to
murder, and that Canada and silence Papa just as they did
Holland are withdrawing their Nwankiti Ogechi.
ambassadors from the country.
Men from the “Democratic 1 4 5 6
Coalition” come to visit Papa
that night and the next few
nights. They all warn him to be
careful, and remind him of
other assassinated activists.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
At dinner the next few days Jaja continues to pull away from CHAPTER 11
Papa’s hands seem to be Kambili, as if she were part of
One rainy day Ade Coker is The threat against Papa for
shaking. Kambili wants to talk Papa’s toxic control. Jaja instead
assassinated in his home. He daring to speak out is very real,
about the many people coming draws closer to Aunty Ifeoma,
receives a package from the as this horrible assassination
to the house, but Jaja looks speaking with her in a way that
Head of State, and when he proves. Ade Coker is loosely
away when she brings it up he has never spoken to Kambili.
opens it at the breakfast table based on the real-life Nigerian
with her eyes, and changes the Ifeoma seems to understand the
with his family he is blown up. journalist Dele Giwa, who was
subject when she mentions it. symbolism of the purple hibiscus,
Kambili and Jaja come home killed by a package bomb in
One day Aunty Ifeoma calls to and so Jaja’s news means that he
that day to find Papa sobbing 1986. With this murder the
ask about Papa. Jaja talks to is trying to assert his new
on the sofa, looking small and Head of State proves his
her about Papa in a way he independence at home.
broken. Mama and Jaja potential for brutality and his
won’t with Kambili. He tells
1 3 4 5 comfort him. Later Papa funds fear of anything other than
Ifeoma that the purple hibiscus
Ade’s funeral, buys a new censorship and obedience. Again,
stalks have been planted. He
house for Ade’s family, and though, the Head of State’s
gives Kambili the phone, and
gives the Standard staff violence, which Papa stands
she asks to give Father Amadi
bonuses and a long leave. against, mirrors Papa’s own
her greetings. Ifeoma says that
Kambili starts having violence meant to enforce
Father Amadi asks about her
nightmares about Ade getting obedience within his own
and Jaja “all the time.”
blown up, but sometimes in household.
Amaka comes to the phone Amaka’s scorn and coldness has her dreams it is Papa dying in
and talks to Kambili, sounding dissolved, and she now treats an explosion at a meal, and she 1 3 4 5 6
friendlier than usual. Kambili Kambili as a friend. Kambili likes is the daughter at the table
thanks her for the painting, this new familial love, but is with him.
and Amaka talks about Papa- surprised by it. In the Catholic
In the following weeks Papa The government is afraid to kill
Nnukwu’s upcoming funeral. tradition in Nigeria at this time,
looks more weary and unwell. Papa because of his powerful
Amaka says that she hopes children had to choose English
He prays more, and Father connections, but they do at least
Kambili and Jaja can come for names to be confirmed as
Benedict often visits the send him a message and try to
Easter, so they can be there for officially Catholic. Papa, of
house. Soldiers go to one of discredit him. Papa’s usually
her confirmation and maybe course, chose Kambili’s name for
Papa’s factories, plant dead calm demeanor starts to crack,
see the apparitions at Aokpe. her.
rats there, and then shut down and he turns to his intense faith
Kambili remembers her own
1 2 3 5 the factory, claiming for relief.
confirmation the year before,
unsanitary conditions. Papa
and her confirmation name, 1 2 3 4 5
doesn’t check very often that
which Papa had chosen: Ruth.
Jaja and Kambili are following
When she is back in her room, Kambili tentatively reaches for their schedules, so they spend
Kambili thinks about Father her own kind of freedom after her more time together.
Amadi and wonders if he really experience at Nsukka. She
One day when Papa is with Jaja has talked back to Papa, but
had been asking about her. She doesn’t rebel against Papa, but
Father Benedict, Jaja comes this is the first real moment of
doodles the name “Father she does overcome her own
into Kambili’s room and asks defiance for the children. They
Amadi” over and over on a shyness and play sports with the
to see the painting of Papa- don’t even do anything active
piece of paper, but rips it up other girls, and embraces her
Nnukwu. Kambili nervously against Papa, but only refuse to
when she hears Papa come strong feelings for Father Amadi,
takes it out. Jaja runs his hide their love for their
home. She keeps thinking more not worrying about whether they
deformed little finger over the grandfather. Yet this too is a kind
and more about Father Amadi might be “sinful” or not.
painting, entranced. Kambili of speaking out for freedom.
in the following weeks, even
2 4 5 joins him in staring at it. They
after school starts up again. 3 4 5
stay there for a long time,
She decides to play volleyball
longer than they know they
with the other girls, even
should, as if secretly wanting
though they make fun of her,
to confront Papa that day.
as she remembers Father
Amadi saying that she has
“good legs for running.”

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
Papa comes in and sees the This small act of defiance, Kambili later wakes up to see Mama continues to defend Papa
painting. Jaja and Kambili both followed by Jaja and Kambili’s Father Amadi leaning over her. and refuse to see the reality of
claim that the painting is refusal to feel ashamed of the She wonders if she is the situation. Ifeoma, on the
theirs, and Papa starts to sway “sin,” drives Papa into a rage. All dreaming. She hears Aunty other hand, now understands the
back and forth in rage. He his stress and fear about Ade’s Ifeoma’s voice, saying that her full extent of her brother’s
takes the painting and rips it death and his factories seems to children could not come abusiveness, and tries to take
up. Kambili screams and tries break in as well, and he loses because of school. Ifeoma tells control. Mama even defends
to pick up the pieces. Papa control. Kambili turns inward, Mama that “this cannot go Papa to Kambili, telling her how
yells at her and then starts to trying to avoid the realization on”—she must escape before he stayed at her bedside, but
kick her as she curls up on the that the man she loves and things get worse. Mama Kambili doesn’t want to hear this
floor on top of the pieces of idolizes is beating her almost to protests that Papa has never anymore. Something has been
paper. He kicks her with his death. done something like this irreparably broken in her
metal-buckled shoes, yelling before. Ifeoma firmly declares relationship with Papa. She can
about heathens and Hell, and 2 3 4 5 6 that Kambili and Jaja will go to see that for him religious purity is
then strikes her with his belt. Nsukka, at least until Easter, more important than love for his
Kambili smells Amaka’s paint once Kambili is healed. daughter.
on the paper and eventually Eventually their voices fade
passes out. away. Later Kambili wakes up 3 4 6
Papa again responds to his own again, and Mama tells her that
Kambili wakes up in the
violence with tears and tender Papa has been at her bedside
hospital. Mama is there, crying
care. At the same time, religion all night, every night. Kambili
gratefully that Kambili is
still drives him: in case Kambili is looks away.
awake. Kambili’s whole body is
in terrible pain. She hears the about to die, he makes sure that Papa picks out a private tutor The tutor never gets a name or
doctor saying that she has a she receives the last rites from a for Kambili, and she comes to becomes an important character,
broken rib and internal “spiritual” priest like Father the hospital the following but she is a surprisingly
bleeding. Later she sees Papa Benedict. Kambili suddenly feels week. She is a young white understanding presence in
crying and calling her his an anger at Mama for submitting nun, but she speaks fluent Kambili’s hospital room, and a
“precious daughter,” and then to Papa’s abuse and not Igbo, which surprises Kambili. hopeful example of a more
Papa and Father Benedict protecting her children better. Kambili pretends to recover flexible, caring young, white
praying and giving her extreme more slowly than she actually Catholic in Nigeria. Kambili is no
unction. Kambili tells Mama to 2 3 4 6 is, as she doesn’t want to go longer obsessed with getting first
call Aunty Ifeoma. Mama’s home. She can tell that her in her class to please Papa.
face is puffy from crying, and tutor realizes this but doesn’t
Kambili suddenly wants to say anything. Kambili takes her 1 2 5
both hug her and shove her exams from her hospital bed,
down. and she comes in first in the
class.
Kambili’s class comes to visit Kambili’s classmates don’t know
her. Chinwe Jideze gives her a what happened to her, but as she
card and talks to her as if they has started to engage more with
were close friends. Ezinne says them they do at least start to talk
that Kambili should stop to her now and accept her as one
running off after school when of their own. Kambili takes her
she comes back. That night small freedoms as she can find
Mama tells Kambili that she them, like deciding to stop
will be going to Nsukka with running away after school.
Jaja when she is discharged in
two days. Somehow Aunty 4
Ifeoma had convinced Papa.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
CHAPTER 12 The power goes off that The novel now dwells on
evening, and Father Amadi Kambili’s growing relationship
Kambili arrives at Aunty Obiora now sees himself as an
comes over with some food. with Father Amadi, as her sexual
Ifeoma’s house and everyone adult, and watches the other
He hugs Kambili, and Kambili and emotional awakening
treats her gingerly, as if she “children” with an almost
suddenly wishes that everyone coincides with her newfound
was still weak and sick. Jaja scientific manner. Jaja returns to
else would disappear for a voice and freedom. The fact that
goes out to work in the garden. the garden, his first source of
while. A neighbor brings over he is a priest also ties into her
The aku, a seasonal flying freedom and joy. Everything
some fried aku and Obiora struggle with faith in both Papa
termite that some people fry seems idyllic now that they are
eats some. Father Amadi and Papa’s religion (and likely
as a snack, start flying, and back in Nsukka.
reminisces about chasing aku Amadi’s own struggle, though
some of the children in the that is not portrayed in the
3 4 when he was a child. Kambili
building run out to catch them. novel).
closes her eyes and listens to
Obiora goes out to observe
his voice.
the “children.” Chima goes too, 2 5
to catch some and give them to
his friend, as Aunty Ifeoma The next day Kambili wakes up The corruption and tyranny in
does not eat them. late to see Aunty Ifeoma on Nigeria continue to spread. The
the verandah with another university is now becoming a
Aunty Ifeoma goes upstairs As usual, Amaka is not afraid to female professor. They are “microcosm of the country,” as
and Kambili is left alone with speak her mind, and she helps discussing the government- Obiora says, in that a single
Amaka. Amaka tells Kambili put Kambili’s feelings into words. appointed “sole administrator” unelected leader will be given
that she is Father Amadi’s She doesn’t understand the who is going to run the power over everyone. Ifeoma
“sweetheart” now, and he has depth of Kambili’s love, however. university. The woman says doesn’t publish a newspaper, but
been asking about her It seems that Father Amadi that Ifeoma’s name is on a list in her own sphere she does speak
constantly. Amaka asks if reciprocates some of Kambili’s of professors who are “disloyal out for freedom just as fiercely as
Kambili has a crush on him. feelings as well, though Catholic to the university,” and that she Papa does. Ifeoma won’t be killed
Kambili says yes, though priests are supposed to remain might be fired. Ifeoma says like Ade Coker, but they might
“crush” seems too mild for her celibate. that she will speak the truth, silence her by firing her.
feelings. Amaka says that all even if it gets her fired. The
the girls in church have 2 5 1 4 5
woman counters that the truth
crushes on him. She says it’s will not feed her children.
exciting to compete with God Ifeoma angrily asks when is the
for a man’s heart. But she says right time to speak out, if not
that Father Amadi has never now. Then they leave together
talked about anyone the way for the university, both looking
he talks about Kambili. weary and sad.
Amaka then asks if Papa was Kambili is no longer afraid to
the one who hurt Kambili. speak about Papa’s violence. This
Amaka says her mother didn’t is a huge step in overcoming her
tell her, but she could guess. silence and oppression, and also
Kambili says yes, it was him, brings the two cousins closer. Yet
and she immediately leaves for at the same time Kambili is not
the bathroom, avoiding quite ready to see Amaka’s
Amaka’s reaction. reaction—she’s not ready to see
Father condemned in the eyes of
another person.

3 4 5 6

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Amaka and Obiora tell Obiora proves his maturity again Father Amadi sits down next Along with the theme of religious
Kambili more about the sole in his knowledge of politics. The to Kambili and she comments belief, there is also Jaja and
administrator. Obiora says the university hasn’t been paying its on how much he believes in the Kambili’s intense belief in Papa’s
university is now a “microcosm professors and workers, and so boys he coaches. Father Amadi rightness (before they come to
of the country.” Amaka says Aunty Ifeoma might be forced to drinks water and Kambili Nsukka). The contrast to this is
that Aunty Ifeoma has been leave for her children’s’ sake, watches him, wishing she was Aunty Ifeoma’s belief in her
considering moving to even though she wants to stay the water. Father Amadi tells children and Father Amadi’s
America, where she will at and speak out against her that her hair should be belief in the boys. They believe in
least be paid and have her oppression. Obiora is the more plaited, and he will take her to their potential to improve and
work recognized. Obiora practical, pessimistic one, while the woman who plaits Aunty grow, instead of hanging their
wants to go to America but Amaka is idealistic and Ifeoma’s hair. Father Amadi faith on a strict idea of
Amaka doesn’t, and they argue indignant. Kambili, though reaches out and touches perfection.
about it. Kambili is stunned by becoming more independent, still Kambili’s hair, and then he gets
the thought of life without needs Aunty Ifeoma to help her up and runs back onto the 2
Aunty Ifeoma and her family. to stand up, and so the thought field.
She goes outside, where Jaja is of Ifeoma leaving is frightening.
The next morning Kambili and The students riot because the
working in the garden, and
1 3 4 5 Amaka wake up early, sensing university rarely has power and
breathes deeply.
that something is wrong. water, and they cannot study
That evening Father Amadi Kambili is now starting to see Aunty Ifeoma is on the properly. There is clearly a lot of
stops by, wanting to take them things clearly, and the simile she verandah, and they can hear anger in Nigeria against the
all to the stadium. The boys are develops about Father Amadi’s singing. Ifeoma says that the tyranny of the Head of State (and
busy playing a video game, coaching does aptly describe students are rioting. She the sole administrator at the
however, and Amaka jokes Papa and Ifeoma’s different makes them turn off the lights university), and the response to
that Father Amadi wants to be methods of parenting. Kambili so no one throws stones at violence is then often violent
alone with his “sweetheart,” so had noticed how Ifeoma their flat. They can hear the itself—like this riot.
Kambili is the only one who encouraged her children to students singing, saying that
goes. They get to the stadium debate and discuss topics that the sole administrator must go. 1 4 5 6
and Father Amadi coaches might be beyond their reach, and Then a single voice rises up
some local boys, raising a bar that this seemed to work very and mocks the Head of State.
higher and higher for them to well. Papa, on the other hand, Some students run past the
jump over. Kambili realizes only used rules, punishment, and apartment, carrying torches.
that this is how Aunty Ifeoma his rare moments of approval as Eventually the family comes
treats her children—treating motivations for learning and inside and goes back to sleep.
them like adults, expecting growth, and he wanted that
That afternoon Aunty Ifeoma In her dream Kambili explicitly
more of them until they can learning and growth to be only in
brings news of the riot. The connects Papa’s tyranny over his
jump over the bar. Kambili and directions he allowed.
students burned the sole children with the government’s
Jaja, on the other hand, only
2 3 4 administrator’s house and six tyranny over Nigeria. Kambili
jump because they are
university cars. The university could only escape by going to
terrified of the alternative.
is closed until further notice. Nsukka, and Ifeoma may only be
During her nap that day able to escape by going to
Kambili dreams that the sole America.
administrator is pouring
boiling water on Aunty 1 4 6
Ifeoma’s feet. Then Ifeoma
jumps out of the tub and into
America.

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That evening they are all Just as with Ade Coker’s murder Aunty Ifeoma tells Obiora to Jaja keeps asserting himself even
watching TV when four men and the shutdown of Papa’s kill the chicken, but Jaja offers in this decision to kill the chicken.
come to the door. They burst in factories, here the corrupt to do it instead. Kambili is It is also a small violent act in
and say they are searching the government tries to silence and shocked, as Jaja has never response to Papa’s violence, and
flat for documents to prove frighten Aunty Ifeoma through a killed a chicken before. She part of Adichie’s theme of the
that Ifeoma helped incite the show of violence. Obiora is follows him into the backyard cycle of abuse. Jaja now
riot. Ifeoma asks for papers to willing to take responsibility for and looks away as he cuts the identifies with Ifeoma’s family
prove this, but the men push the family, but he still always chicken’s throat. Then he more than his own, affirming
her aside. Obiora tries to defers to his mother. dunks it in boiling water and how much his bond with Kambili
confront them, but Ifeoma tells plucks its feathers. Jaja tells has deteriorated.
him to sit down. The men then 1 3 4 5 6 Kambili that if Aunty Ifeoma
go through all the rooms and goes to America, he wants to 3 4 5 6
break things and scatter go with her. Kambili does not
everything about, without know how to respond. Jaja
even bothering to search. throws a stone at the vultures
Finally they leave, warning that start to circle overhead.
Ifeoma to “be very careful.”
Father Amadi picks up Kambili Kambili is seeing things more
Obiora says that they should Ifeoma knows that there is no and takes her to get her hair clearly now, and she sees the
go to the police, but Aunty hope for real justice in the plaited. Mama Joe, the woman quest for freedom even in a
Ifeoma says that the police are current corrupt state of the who does Aunty Ifeoma’s hair, basket of snails. Father Amadi
part of this too. She says that government, so she now has the welcomes her and talks follows through on his promise,
they are just trying to scare difficult decision of supporting familiarly to Kambili. She is as he clearly wants to spend
her. Obiora and Amaka start to her children or supporting surprised to hear that Father more time alone with Kambili.
argue about whether they freedom. Obiora prefers one side Amadi is a priest, and laments
should go to America or not, and Amaka prefers the other. “all that maleness wasted.” 2 4
with Amaka saying that Ifeoma’s snapping seems to have Kambili notices a basket of live
running away won’t solve more to do with the fact that snails on the floor. Mama Joe
anything. Ifeoma finally snaps these debates are not just sells them at the market. One
at them to help clean, and theoretical but actually impact snail keeps crawling out, and
Kambili notices that it’s the their lives, and so they make her Kambili wishes she could buy
first time she hasn’t looked on tense. the basket just to set that one
proudly as they debate. snail free.
1 3 4 5 6
Mama Joe finishes Kambili’s Father Amadi keeps flirting, but
Kambili goes to take a bath but Everything keeps going downhill hair and she admires it in the along with this is a belief in
there is an earthworm in the as supplies dwindle and the mirror. Mama Joe assures her Kambili’s potential—he seems
tub. She throws it into the university shuts down, so Ifeoma that a man doesn’t take a girl to romantically interested in her,
toilet and then bathes. When has no way to make money. The get her hair done unless he is but he is also an older priest
she comes out Aunty Ifeoma student is an example of young in love. Kambili doesn’t know trying to help her do her best.
gives her some soybean milk, people leaving their education how to respond. Father Amadi Once again Father Amadi’s
saying that she can’t afford behind to pursue something picks her up and she thanks presence helps Kambili open up
dairy milk anymore. One of surer, especially during all this him. As they drive home more, as she finally joins in
Aunty Ifeoma’s students stops corruption and unrest. This Father Amadi suggests that singing along with the Igbo praise
by then, bringing a live chicken saddens Ifeoma, who obviously Kambili should play the part of songs—breaking both her silence
to announce that she is supports education. The student the Virgin Mary in the church and her idea of their sinfulness.
engaged. She says that she is decision to marry also involves play, as the prettiest girl always
leaving the university to get giving up her independence in plays Mary. Kambili says she 2 4 5
married, and isn’t sure that exchange for security. has never acted, but Father
she’ll return if it reopens. After Amadi says she can do
she leaves Ifeoma feels sad, 1
whatever she puts her mind to.
even though, she says, the Kambili joins him in singing the
student wasn’t very bright. Igbo praise songs as they drive.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
CHAPTER 13 Aunty Ifeoma tells Chiaku Chiaku comments on this cycle,
that she is thinking about where people flee or ignore
Amaka and Kambili go to Earlier Kambili had always
moving to America, and she tyranny instead of fighting
Mass at their local church. It is admired St. Agnes for its
has sent her resume to a against it, but Ifeoma has no
much plainer than St. Agnes. extravagance and beauty, and
relative there. Chiaku is choice if she wants to provide for
The women don’t always cover how proper everyone is. But now
disappointed, and comments her children. Ifeoma gets angry at
their hair “properly,” and she can appreciate this more
that Nigerians will always be Obiora not for disagreeing, but
sometimes they even wear casual atmosphere, as it comes
“second-class citizens” in for disagreeing in such an
jeans. Father Amadi delivers with a greater expression of joy
America. Chiaku laments that insulting way. For the first time
the Eucharist and breaks into and love. This is Adichie’s hopeful
all the strong people are we see Ifeoma angrily disciplining
an Igbo song after the Lord’s vision for Catholicism in Nigeria,
leaving Nigeria, while the weak her children. She prizes their
prayer. The congregation a fusion of traditions rather than
stay behind to be ruled by independence; but she combines
greets and hugs each other, a domination of one over the
tyrants. Obiora interrupts to that with an insistence on basic
and Kambili watches Father other.
say that that is “pep-rally respect.
Amadi smile at her from the
1 2 5 nonsense.” Ifeoma sends him
altar. 1 3 4 5 6
away, and she apologizes to
Father Amadi drives them Amaka remains firmly Chiaku, but his insult lingers
home afterward, and he Afrocentric in her ideals, and between them. When Chiaku
reminds Amaka that she needs makes a valid decision to not leaves, Ifeoma yells at Obiora
to choose a confirmation choose an English name for and slaps him for being
name. The confirmation name confirmation—as that would disrespectful.
has to be English, however, and imply that English names are
Amaka tells Kambili about the The two cousins are close friends
Amaka says she doesn’t want better or more holy than Igbo
times Aunty Ifeoma has now, as Amaka truly understands
an English name. They return names. Yet Amaka’s choice is
slapped them for misbehaving. Kambili’s situation and no longer
home, where Aunty Ifeoma is also one of choosing Africa over
She says that afterwards thinks she is snobbish. Once
telling a friend about the her religion; it is a an equal and
Ifeoma always gives a long talk again Ifeoma’s family dynamic is
security agents ransacking her opposite response to Western
about what they did wrong and portrayed as far superior to
flat. domination.
how to avoid it in the future. Papa’s.
1 2 Amaka takes Kambili’s hand,
and they both think about how 3 4 6
When Aunty Ifeoma’s story is This is another lesson about the different this is from how Papa
over, her friend, whose name is cycle of oppression and violence. treats Kambili and Jaja.
Chiaku, relays the news that a It may start with tyranny at the
professor’s young son stole his top, but it works its way down to Aunty Ifeoma cleans out the Even though they are now
father’s exam papers and was personal tragedies like Papa’s freezer, as meat has started to dangerously low on food and
selling them to students. When abuse or this boy stealing his go bad because of all the money, Kambili enjoys spending
the professor found out, he father’s exams. The challenge power outages. Kambili and time with her cousins more than
beat his son. Chiaku points out then is to break the cycle at any Amaka go through a bag of living in frightened luxury at
the hypocrisy of this, as the level by speaking out against rice, picking out stones and home. Mama’s arrival disrupts
professor is one who won’t what is wrong, even when it dirt, and Kambili now feels an this peaceful moment with
speak out about the corruption might be dangerous. easy companionship with another reminder of Papa’s
in the government and the Amaka. A car drives up and abuse.
university. She says that when 1 3 4 5 6 they are all surprised to see
that it is Mama, wearing her 3
you “sit back and do nothing
about tyranny,” your children slippers and looking unkempt.
will learn from your example. Aunty Ifeoma helps her into
the house.

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Mama sits down and looks Papa’s violence seems to be Papa arrives the next day to Ifeoma’s family has always been
around distractedly. She says getting worse as he deals with pick up Mama, Jaja, and about inclusivity, and now Jaja
that she got back from the more stress in his public life, to Kambili. He hugs them all, and and Kambili are truly like their
hospital today, and then took a the point that even Mama is Kambili notices that he has a aunt’s children, and brother and
taxi here. Papa had broken a acknowledging it and fleeing him. strange rash on his face, but he sister to their cousins. This is
small table over her belly. She After this second instance, we says that it is an allergic Adichie’s vision of an ideal
had been pregnant again, and can now surmise the tragic reaction. Amaka hugs Kambili family—one that is flexible,
she lost the baby. Papa hadn’t reason behind Mama’s other and calls her nwanne m nurturing, and joyful. Yet outside
known about the pregnancy. miscarriages. nwanyi—“my sister.” As they that world Jaja has cut himself
Mama slides onto the floor and drive Papa starts the rosary, off from Kambili and their
starts to cry. She cries until she 6 but his voice sounds tired and language of the eyes.
falls asleep. different. Kambili wants to
meet eyes with Jaja and tell 2 3 4 5
Papa calls that evening. Aunty After her moment of clarity,
Mama seems to submit once him how much she wishes they
Ifeoma answers, but doesn’t
more to Papa’s control. Later we had stayed in Nsukka, but Jaja
let Mama come to the phone.
will learn that she was taking her stays turned towards the
After she hangs up Mama gets
own violent stand for freedom all window.
the phone from a bedroom and
calls Papa. When she emerges this while. She brings up the When they reach their home, The purple hibiscus from Nsukka
she says that she and the ironic contrast between Papa’s Jaja comments that the purple are now about to bloom in
children are leaving tomorrow; saintlike public life and his hibiscuses are about to bloom. Enugu, just as Jaja is about to
Papa is coming to get them. abusive domestic one. Ifeoma The next day is Palm Sunday, finally break free from Papa and
Aunty Ifeoma is shocked and tries to convince Mama to speak when Jaja refuses to go to assert his independence.
angry, and asks if Mama has out—not knowing what Mama is communion and Papa throws
gone crazy. Mama’s eyes seem really up to. his missal, breaking Mama’s 2 3 4 6
glazed over, and she talks figurines.
about how much stress Papa is 3 4 5 6
under, and all the people he
CHAPTER 14
supports. Ifeoma counters that
she and her late husband faced After Palm Sunday, everything We now see, in retrospect, the
dire poverty, but he never once comes “tumbling down.” A importance of the Palm Sunday
struck her. storm rages and high winds scene. Jaja finally speaks out
break things in the yard and against his father and Papa does
Mama says that there is Ifeoma’s talk of freedom and the house. Even after the not have the strength or will to
nowhere she could go if she equality doesn’t seem helpful to storm is over, the “old silence” punish him. Papa does react
left Papa’s house, and that he Mama, who feels trapped by of the house seems broken. violently, but only in throwing
has so many other willing silence and respectability. Yet she Mama doesn’t bother to lower something, not in hurting
women to choose from. She is beginning her own disastrous her voice when she tells Sisi to someone. Mama takes on this
then sits back down on the fight against Papa’s tyranny. sweep up the rest of the new feeling of freedom as well,
floor and says that Ifeoma has figurines. Mama doesn’t sneak and she too is fighting against
come with her “university talk” 3 4 5
extra food to Jaja’s room as Papa in her own way. The old
again. Kambili has never seen usual, but brings it on a tray. silence of fear and politeness has
her mother say so much or so The day after Palm Sunday, finally broken down. Papa’s
candidly. Jaja pushes his desk against his behavior at dinner suggests that
After Mama and Aunty Ifeoma Everything is out in the open door so Papa can’t come in. At he does not have the strength to
go to bed, Kambili plays cards now, and Papa’s control seems dinner that night Papa doesn’t fight against Jaja’s revolt, but
with Amaka and Obiora. less powerful when it can be mention Jaja, and he eats little later it will be revealed that there
Amaka says that Papa isn’t a spoken about. Amaka too is and drinks lots of water. is even more to it.
bad man, he just can’t handle confused by the complexity of
Papa’s character.
3 4 5 6
stress. She is still grateful to
him for paying for Papa-
Nnukwu’s funeral. Obiora is 3 5
silent on the subject.

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Yewande Coker and her Yet again Papa proves himself a Kambili is horrified by this Even after the shift in power on
daughter visit that night. hero to many, as he pays for all news. She calls for Jaja, who Palm Sunday, Kambili cannot
Yewande is dressed all in black, the care Ade’s family needs. He talks to Aunty Ifeoma. When imagine the family without Papa
still mourning Ade, but she is becomes a Christ-figure once he hangs up he declares that in total control. Now Jaja
pleased that her daughter, who more as Yewande kneels before they are going to Nsukka. suddenly asserts his power, and
had not said a word since the him. In Yewande’s daughter we Kambili wonders how he will Papa doesn’t, or is unable to,
explosion, spoke that morning. see another incarnation of convince Papa to allow this. resist. Kambili seems to be trying
Yewande thanks Papa for powerful silence left in the wake Jaja knocks on Papa’s door and to deny that anything
sending them to a foreign of fear and violence. says that he and Kambili are fundamental has changed.
hospital to get the best care, going to Nsukka, even if they
and she kneels before him. 1 2 4 5 6 have to walk. Kambili goes into 3 4 5
Papa makes her get up, and her room and looks out the
says that all the healing comes window.
from God.
Jaja comes in with a hastily Kambili has not turned against
Later Kambili goes to Jaja’s Kambili still recites Papa’s packed bag and says that Papa Papa yet like Jaja has. Even as
room, and he moves his desk to platitudes and looks for his has agreed to let Kevin drive she “runs away,” she hugs him
let her in. They discuss approval in everything, even as them. Kambili goes into Papa’s goodbye. This is a strange and
Yewande Coker’s daughter, she also discovers new freedom room and hugs him goodbye. poignant parting, particularly
and Kambili says “thanks be to and love. This may be why Jaja He kisses her forehead and because she will never see him
God” about her healing. Jaja keeps pulling away from Kambili. promises to see her soon. again. Kevin can guess that Jaja
looks at her almost pityingly. Jaja references their own abusive Kevin is wary about the is rebelling against Papa.
He says that the girl may have childhood with his statement, sudden trip to Nsukka, but
spoken, but she will never truly implying that they will “never eventually he agrees, although 3 4
heal. Kambili leaves, and as she heal.” he watches Jaja in the
pushes the desk to let herself rearview mirror throughout
pass by, she realizes that it isn’t 2 4 5 6 the drive.
very heavy and wonders why
Back in Nsukka, it is incredibly Amaka no longer makes fun of
Papa couldn’t move it.
hot as the family bleaches palm Kambili for her privileged
On Good Friday Papa seems As Papa seems to grow weaker oil for cooking. Obiora and lifestyle, as it is clear that
sicker, and he spills his tea and less in control, Kambili’s fear Amaka argue about whether Kambili’s wealth comes with a
because his hands are shaking. diminishes and her love for him their mother will get the visa great cost. Ifeoma has definitely
He decides to go to the grows. Jaja, on the other hand, or not, and whether they decided to go to America if she
evening Mass instead of the presses his advantage. Aunty should splurge on can get a visa. The regime has
usual morning one. Kambili Ifeoma calls with two terrible commodities in their last few forced her into a kind of silence
remembers one Good Friday pieces of news for Kambili. The weeks. Kambili starts to cough within Nigeria. Until then,
when she kissed the cross and university and the sole from the smoke of the oil, and though, Nsukka seems more like
wept, and how Papa was so administrator have finally Amaka sends her out to the home than Enugu now for Jaja
pleased by her tears. Aunty decided to silence Ifeoma’s verandah—but without any and Kambili.
Ifeoma calls, interrupting her criticism by taking away her job. resentment about the fact that
memories. No one answers, so Kambili is clearly rich enough 3
Kambili gets the phone. Ifeoma 1 2 4 to always have vegetable oil
says that she has been fired, instead of having to bleach
and that she has a month left palm oil.
at the university. She has
applied for an American visa.
She also says that Father
Amadi is leaving to do
missionary work in Germany
at the end of the month.

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Kambili feels sad as they stand Just as the family grows closer Father Amadi asks Kambili Jaja has chosen to rebel against
and eat on the verandah, together than ever before, Aunty what she is thinking about. She Papa, but Kambili is still torn
thinking about Aunty Ifeoma’s Ifeoma and her children are walks out to the garden, plucks between the two sides of her life.
family leaving. Amaka says about to move thousands of some small yellow flowers, and She truly loves Papa still, and
that at least they won’t have to miles away. Kambili has only puts one on each of her finds comfort in the order and
bar their doors in recently learned to laugh herself, fingers. She says that she is familiarity of her life with him,
America—Ifeoma had to put and has never even considered thinking about Papa. She says but she also has fallen in love
metal bars across her door to the idea of herself as funny, but that he called, but neither she with Father Amadi, as well as
keep students from stealing her new world of freedom and nor Jaja would go to the with the freedom and happiness
her exams. Amaka says that speech offers many possibilities phone. Father Amadi asks if she has found with Aunty Ifeoma
she won’t be happy in America and allows her to discover new she had wanted to talk to him. and her children.
though. Kambili reminds her things about herself. The shift Kambili whispers “yes,”
that she will drink fresh milk from being unable to laugh to remembering how she had 2 3 4 5
there instead of soybean milk being funny is profound. wanted to tell Papa about her
or canned condensed milk. prayers and what she had been
Amaka laughs and says that 1 3 5 eating, and to hear his
Kambili is funny, which makes approval. But at the same time
Kambili feel both mystified and she wants to leave with Father
happy. Amadi or Aunty Ifeoma and
never go back to Enugu.
Father Amadi comes to visit It is ironic that Catholicism was
later, and Obiora points out brought to Nigeria as a part of Father Amadi walks over to Father Amadi clearly has
that he visits more often when colonialism and oppression, but Kambili and takes her hand, romantic feelings for Kambili, but
Kambili is there. He comes now priests like Father Amadi slipping a flower from her at the same time he is also trying
inside and greets them all. have made the religion their own finger and putting it on his to be “priestly” and looking out
Amaka starts to joke with him enough to bring it back to Europe own. He says that Ifeoma for her future by helping her
about bringing the white as something new. Again there is wants her and Jaja to go to move away to boarding school.
missionaries’ god back to a vision here of Africa as an equal boarding school. He is going to Kambili finds true joy for the first
them. The phone rings and player in the world, as being on Enugu to talk to Father time in her love for Father
Amaka leaves to answer it. even terms with it, as opposed to Benedict about this, so Father Amadi, and she now sings with
Father Amadi sits down next being a colonized or dominated Benedict can hopefully happiness, when not so long ago
to Kambili. He suddenly slaps a “backwater.” convince Papa. Father Amadi she kept her lips shut tight to
mosquito on her leg, and says tells Kambili to look into his avoid displeasing Papa.
that “it looked so happy 1 2 eyes. She is afraid to but she
feeding on you.” does. He talks to her about the 2 4 5
flower on his finger, and she
laughs happily. When she
bathes that night, Kambili
doesn’t wash the hand that
Father Amadi had held briefly.
She sings as she bathes, and
doesn’t bother throwing away
the earthworms in the tub.

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 LitCharts The best way to study, teach, and learn about books.
CHAPTER 15 Kambili wants to linger, but Even Father Amadi, the priest,
Aunty Ifeoma says they should did not see the Virgin like Kambili
One day Father Amadi visits Amaka makes a good argument,
leave before the crowd. did, although he too recognized
with a list of English names for and sticks by her point by
Amaka and Father Amadi God’s presence in Aokpe. On this
Amaka to choose from for refusing to be confirmed. Aunty
tease each other, but neither brief trip Kambili finds a renewed
confirmation. He assures her Ifeoma seems irritated by the
will admit whether they strength in her religious faith,
that she will never have to use complication, but she doesn’t
thought the apparition was which can now be a separate
the name again after the stop Amaka from her decision.
real or not. Kambili suddenly part of her life, distinct from
bishops says it. Amaka still The colonialist mindset is slowly
says that she felt the Blessed Papa’s rules.
refuses to take an English being changed through aware
Virgin there. She wonders how
name. She says that they young people like Amaka, even in 2
no one else felt what she did.
should be moving forward and something as traditionally
Father Amadi looks at her, and
asserting that Igbo names are Western as the Catholic church.
then says that he agrees;
just as valuable and godly as
1 2 “something from God was
English names. Aunty Ifeoma
happening there.”
gets irritated and snaps at her,
and Amaka goes into her room Later Kambili goes with Kambili has truly found her voice
to listen to music. The next day Father Amadi as he says his now that she is able to say this
Amaka does not join the other goodbyes to some families. most difficult thing. Her love for
young people being confirmed, After one visit, as they are Father Amadi seemed doomed
with English names pinned to getting into the car, Kambili from the start, and now she
their white clothes. suddenly says “I love you.” experiences her first romantic
Father Amadi presses his face heartbreak. Father Amadi still
Aunty Ifeoma decides that Along with rebelling against
against hers but doesn’t kiss seems to share her feelings,
they should finally make the Papa, Jaja also starts rejecting
her. He tells her that she is though he is unwilling to act on
pilgrimage to Aokpe. Jaja says Christianity in general. As Papa
beautiful, and that she will find them. He too chooses religion
he does not want to go, and loses his tyrannical control over
all the love she needs. Kambili over love, but his choice is made
Obiora agrees to stay with him his children, they then have more
thinks that he is wrong. As with kindness.
and Chima. Amaka is sure that freedom to choose whether to
they drive home Kambili looks
Father Amadi won’t want to remain Catholic or not, without 5
out the window and cries.
join, but he does. She says that always being forced into it.
it must be because of Kambili. When Kambili gets home, Just after finding a new life of
Ifeoma drives the two hours to 2 4 5 Aunty Ifeoma asks her what is freedom, love, and a happy
the village, and Father Amadi wrong, but Kambili won’t say. family, Kambili feels like she is
and Amaka sing in the car. Aunty Ifeoma asks Kambili to about to lose all of it at once.
Sometimes Kambili joins them. pray that she gets her visa, as Kambili is now learning to
her interview is tomorrow. become “culturally conscious”
They reach Aokpe, and it is Unlike Jaja, Kambili finds her
Kambili agrees, though she just like Amaka. She has
crowded with cars and faith reaffirmed. She does not
knows that she won’t actually overcome her silence so well that
Catholic pilgrims. Everyone is reject Catholicism, but does now
pray, as she cannot pray for she can now start singing
packed together, praying and feel more drawn to the joyful,
what she does not want. In the without even realizing it. Fela
shouting and seeing visions of openminded religion of Aunty
bedroom Amaka is listening to Kuti was a real Nigerian
the Virgin Mary everywhere. Ifeoma and Father Amadi
one of her favorite musicians, musician and political activist.
The family stands under a huge instead of the strict and
Fela, and she is surprised when
tree with orange flowers. The judgmental dogma of Papa and 1 2 3 5
Kambili starts singing along.
young girl who first saw the Father Benedict.
Amaka complains that she
visions emerges from the
2 won’t be able to find Fela tapes
crowd, and as she walks past
in America.
the tree seems to shake.
Suddenly Kambili sees the
Virgin everywhere: in the sun,
on her hand, in a stranger’s
smile.

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The next day they are all Nigeria’s government is clearly Amaka comes out and laughs As usual, Amaka deals
nervous about Aunty Ifeoma’s corrupt and ineffective, but in that Kambili must be having lightheartedly with Kambili’s
interview. She drives up and going to America Aunty Ifeoma sex with Father Amadi, as he melodramatic feelings. Nothing is
says that she got the visa. and her family will face new seems so “bright-eyed.” conclusively decided as Father
Obiora and Chima are struggles against racism and Kambili says that he will never Amadi and Kambili part. They
ecstatic. Ifeoma explains how prejudice, and just the general leave the priesthood, but are clearly in love with each
arbitrary the whole process struggle involved in starting over. Amaka says it is possible. That other, and yet unable to be
was, and how lucky she was to Ifeoma too is concerned with evening Father Amadi comes together for now, and possibly
get the visa. Amaka sadly asks Kambili and Jaja’s future after back. He and Kambili promise ever. In her heartbreak Kambili
when they must leave, and she leaves. She doesn’t want to to write each other. Kambili draws back from some of the
Ifeoma says in two weeks. She leave them alone under Papa’s cries, and he wipes her tears openness she expressed with
will have to ask Papa to help constant control anymore. and then holds her. Later he Father Amadi.
buy the plane tickets, so they has dinner with the family, but
will go to Enugu with Jaja and 1 3 Kambili doesn’t join the 2 5
Kambili soon and stay there laughter, and instead works at
until they leave. Ifeoma tells “locking up” parts of herself.
Jaja and Kambili that she will She sleeps fitfully that night
convince Papa to send them to and Amaka comforts her.
boarding school no matter This scene, just before everything
Aunty Ifeoma finishes packing
what. falls apart again, is a kind of
and they decide to go for a last
Father Amadi visits on his last Father Amadi has been a huge ride in Nsukka. They stop the joyful climax for Kambili’s growth
day in Nigeria. Obiora force in awakening Kambili’s car at the foot of a hill, and in Nsukka. She now runs ahead
comments about the voice, independence, and Ifeoma suggests that they of everyone else, thinking of
missionaries now coming from sexuality, but he has also often climb to the top. They buy Father Amadi, and laughs as
“darkest Africa” to reconvert “led her on,” which results in this some snacks to have a picnic easily as her cousins. She has
Europe. Father Amadi asks heartbreaking farewell. Obiora and then start to climb. truly overcome her frightened
Kambili to spend a last hour again brings up how ironic Father Suddenly Amaka starts silence and shy isolation.
with him, but she refuses, Amadi’s missionary trip is, running, and Jaja and Chima
suddenly angry that he is considering the history of racism run after her. Kambili joins 3 4 5
leaving. She asks if Aunty that often accompanies them, and she sprints past the
Ifeoma had asked him to take colonialism and the spreading of boys, reaching the top at the
her to the stadium that first religion. same time as Amaka. Amaka
day. Father Amadi says she did says that Kambili should be a
not, and every time since then 1 2 sprinter. Kambili laughs, and
he took her because he notices how easy it is to laugh
wanted to. Kambili looks away, now. As they eat, Kambili
trying not to cry. Father Amadi watches a car below that looks
says he will come back in the like Father Amadi’s.
evening, and he drives off.

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That evening they are playing The freedom and joy all comes The phone rings and Mama This is the surprise twist that
cards when the phone rings. crashing down with the news of answers it. When she hangs up throws everything off—the meek,
Aunty Ifeoma answers it and Papa’s death. Kambili had she says that they did an submissive Mama decided, like
screams. Kambili takes the escaped Papa’s control in many autopsy and found poison in Jaja, to escape Papa’s abusive
phone, and Mama ways, but she is still devoted to Papa’s body. Then she calmly control, but Mama could not
mechanically tells her that him, and still clings to her idea of says that she had been putting stand up to Papa directly, and so
Papa was found dead at his him as a godlike figure, a poison in his tea since before she fought violence with sly
desk at the factory. Jaja then presence that can never she came to Nsukka. Sisi violence by slowly killing him.
grabs the phone, and Ifeoma disappear. This then becomes the helped her get the poison. This is another example of how
leads Kambili to the bed. final step in breaking her “faith” Kambili’s mind goes blank, and violent tyranny usually breeds
Kambili studies the bag of rice in him—he was never immortal. then she thinks of Papa’s tea more violence, even in the quest
leaning on the wall. She had and his “love sips.” She starts to for freedom. Looking back from
never even considered that 2 6 scream, asking Mama why she the end of the novel, the “love
Papa could die, as he always chose his tea. She grabs Mama sips” that Papa had started to
seemed immortal. and shakes her. Jaja pulls refuse to give his children
Kambili off and hugs her. He become not just symbolically but
tries to hug Mama but she physically important —Mama
CHAPTER 16
moves away. has been poisoning Papa’s tea,
They all go to Enugu. Kambili Papa helped hundreds of people and so by refusing to lovingly
and Jaja sit in the living room, with his money and support, and share his tea he is unwittingly
staring at the spot where the so the public grief over his death protecting his children.
étagère and the ballet-dancer is great. Jaja seems totally closed
figurines used to be. Mama is off to Kambili now, and their 3 4 5 6
upstairs, packing up Papa’s “language of the eyes” is just a
A few hours later the police Jaja’s guilt about not protecting
things. She had told the gate memory. The figurines
arrive. Before they can even Mama earlier leads him to make
man to turn away the throngs represented a time of abuse, but
ask any questions Jaja this sudden confession, as he
of sympathizers who tried to also a time when Papa was still
confesses that he used rat tries to take all the suffering and
enter the compound, even the alive.
poison to kill his father. The blame of Papa’s abuse and
members of the extended
3 5 police let him change his shirt subsequent murder onto himself.
family. Kambili looks at Jaja,
and then take him away. And it also suggests the ways
trying to speak with her eyes,
that violence, even in defensive
but there seem to be shutters
response to other violence, often
drawn across Jaja’s eyes.
has tragic consequences that
Jaja says that he should have Jaja learned to find his spin out of control.
taken better care of Mama, independence in Nsukka, but he
like Obiora takes care of also became guilty for not 3 4 5 6
Aunty Ifeoma. Kambili says standing up to Papa earlier. He
“God works in mysterious has rejected Christianity
ways,” and thinks that Papa altogether now, even when it is
would have been proud to hear separated from Papa’s rules—he
her say that. Jaja laughs at this, has rejected his father
and says that God even completely in a way similar to
murdered his own son. how Papa rejected Papa-
Nnukwu. Kambili, in contrast,
still can’t help seeking his
approval.

2 3 4 5 6

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CHAPTER 17 A month earlier, Kambili had Kambili alone seems to have
gone to Nsukka, even though retained the sense of freedom
It is three years later, and Papa’s abuse created an
she doesn’t know anyone there and voice she discovered before
Kambili is familiar with the atmosphere of silence, but now
anymore. She visited Aunty Papa’s death, as she still sings
route to the prison, where she his murder and Jaja’s
Ifeoma’s old flat, and the and laughs easily. Adichie
and Mama go to visit Jaja. imprisonment have led to a
family living there offered her explicitly relates joyful speech
They have a new driver now “different silence,” as the section
a glass of water. On the drive and laughter with freedom here.
named Celestine, and he is is titled. Mama has started to
back Kambili had laughed and
taking them both today. lose her sanity in the trauma of 4 5
listened to Fela, feeling that
Mama’s scarf slips off, and she all that has happened.
Nsukka could still inspire a
looks distracted and unkempt.
3 4 5 “freedom song” in her.
She has been different since
Jaja’s arrest. She tried to claim They reach the prison Jaja escaped the tyranny of
responsibility for the crime but compound. Jaja is back in his Papa’s rule only to find a new
no one believed her. They old cell, in much worse tyranny in a prison run by a
thought it was just grief and conditions than a month corrupt government. Kambili
denial. before. He was recently now starts to update us on
whipped for some unknown Ifeoma’s family. Amaka remains
The Head of State recently Many tragedies have occurred,
infraction. Jaja has been in an idealist and activist. Jaja has
died, and pro-democracy but the novel closes at a time of
prison for almost three years withdrawn into silence once
groups have been calling for an tentative hope for both the
now, still officially “Awaiting more, hardened by prison and
investigation of Papa’s death, Achikes and Nigeria. The corrupt
Trial.” Amaka has written weighed down with guilt.
claiming that the old regime Head of State has died, and so
letters to him from America,
assassinated him. The family’s there is a chance for a renewed 1 4 5 6
and letters to Nigerian
lawyers recently informed democracy, and now Jaja is
government members about
Kambili and Mama that Jaja about to be released, so the
the justice system. Jaja doesn’t
will be released next week. family will be reunited at last
write her back, but Amaka says
Kambili and Mama don’t talk after three years.
she understands.
about it, but they each carry a
new hope and peace with this 1 3 4 5 6 Aunty Ifeoma sends cassette It is telling that the only thing
news. tapes of her family’s voices to that seems to reach Jaja are the
Jaja. Sometimes he plays them recordings of Ifeoma’s family’s
Kambili and Mama don’t talk The new silence that has
when Kambili visits. Ifeoma voices—speech equals freedom in
about anything anymore, enfolded the family means that
writes to Kambili and Mama, the world of the novel, and words
including the bribes they’ve Mama and Kambili hardly speak
and talks about her two jobs at from his Nsukka family mean
written on Jaja’s behalf, the at all, and Jaja remains
a community college and a memories of joy and
distribution of Papa’s will, and withdrawn and isolated in prison.
pharmacy. She writes about independence for Jaja. Adichie
the discovery that he had There is more evidence of Papa’s
the things she misses. She speaks through Ifeoma in this
anonymously donated to many great philanthropy, further
writes about Nigeria: how final comment on the state of the
hospitals and charities. As they complicating Papa’s character
people think it cannot govern Nigerian government.
drive Kambili tells Celestine to and the justice of Mama’s violent
itself, but it has had so little Meanwhile, as she expected,
put in a Fela tape. Kambili assertion of freedom.
time to learn compared to Ifeoma has found herself placed
looks to see if Mama minds the lower on the social ladder in
1 3 4 5 other, much older countries.
music, but as usual Mama America. Yet at the same time
Amaka writes to Kambili too,
seems lost in her own world, Obiora’s scholarship suggests
and says that they don’t have
not responding to anything. that there is opportunity for the
time to laugh anymore,
because they are all so busy. family in the United States in a
Obiora writes about the way there might not have been in
private school he got a Nigeria. Ifeoma sacrificed her
scholarship to. own position for the future of her
children.

1 3 4 5

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Celestine helps carry food The Head of State is dead, but Jaja points out that Mama’s The novel ends on this fragile
from the car to the prison. corruption and bribery are still scarf has come undone. note of hope, as Jaja briefly lets
They all enter, and the guard rampant in institutions like the Kambili is amazed, as usually himself connect with Mama and
takes the bribe of money prison. Kambili’s love for Father he doesn’t notice anything Kambili even in the simplest
they’ve hidden in the bag of Amadi has not diminished in the about them. The guard comes observation, and Mama breaks
food. He leads Mama and last three years. They still have a in and says their time is up. Jaja her silence with a simple “thank
Kambili inside and gives them very close relationship, and is led away. Kambili walks out you,” which seems to thank him
an hour to visit. They sit and nothing has been concluded with Mama and feels like both for his sacrifice in taking
wait for Jaja, and Kambili about their future, though talking about the future. She responsibility for Papa’s death
thinks about her letters from Kambili has clearly matured wants to go to Nsukka when and for not holding that sacrifice
Father Amadi, which she greatly. Jaja gets out. Mama suddenly against Mama. For Kambili,
always carries with her. She stops and says “thank you,” one these two small scenes signify
and Father Amadi don’t talk 1 2 4 of the first times in the last hope for the future, and she
about Papa, but he has told her three years she has spoken thinks again of the purple
to not always question why without first being spoken to. hibiscus and the joy and freedom
some things happen, as Kambili goes on: after Nsukka, it once brought to Jaja. Kambili
sometimes there is no why. she wants to visit Aunty has not lost her ability to laugh,
Kambili still loves Father Ifeoma in America. And then and she even draws a smile out
Amadi, but not in a sentimental they will go back to Abba, and of Mama. The final image of the
or jealous way: she just loves Jaja will plant purple hibiscus. rainclouds relates to the hibiscus
him. Kambili laughs and puts her and other flowers of the novel as
arm around Mama’s shoulder. well, as the new rains mean new
Mama sets up a meal for Jaja, Jaja has withdrawn from the
Mama smiles. The clouds plants have the potential to grow,
and then he comes into the family he sacrificed himself for,
overhead mean that the new just as the Achikes and Nigeria
room. They don’t hug Jaja and no longer even wants to hug
rains are coming soon. are given new potential for
because he doesn’t like them them. His guilt about the past
freedom.
to. He greets them and starts seems to have coalesced into a
to eat. Kambili tells him that he self-hatred that keeps him from 3 4 5
will be getting out next week. connecting with Kambili or
Jaja stares at her. His eyes are Mama, and has contributed to
totally hard by now, and this new silence. HOW T
TO
O CITE
Kambili wonders if they ever
3 4 5 It's easy to cite LitCharts for use in academic papers and reports.
really had a language of the
eyes. Kambili knows that Jaja
feels constantly guilty for not MLA CIT
CITA
ATION
having done enough, but she Cosby, Matt. "Purple Hibiscus." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 17 Jun
wants him to know that she 2015. Web. 26 Oct 2016.
didn’t expect him to do more.
A silence hangs over them, but Kambili has not yet let go of her CHICA
CHICAGO
GO MANU
MANUAL
AL CIT
CITA
ATION
it is a “different kind of silence” devotion to Papa, as she still Cosby, Matt. "Purple Hibiscus." LitCharts LLC, June 17, 2015.
now, and Kambili can breathe idolizes him as a saintlike figure, Retrieved October 26, 2016. http://www.litcharts.com/lit/purple-
comfortably. She still has loves him as her father, and hibiscus.
nightmares about the old accepts that he was also a
silence of the house when tyrannical and abusive force.
Papa was alive. Kambili still This “different silence” is less
prays for Papa every Sunday, oppressive than the last one—it is
but she has not told Mama or not one of fear, but of waiting.
Jaja this. She still dreams Kambili is hopeful that speech
about Papa, and wants to see and laughter will someday return
him in her dreams. There is still to fill it.
a silence between her and Jaja,
but she hopes that they will 2 3 5
talk more in time.

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