Purple Hibiscus

Kambili has matured considerably since Papa’s death. No longer vulnerable and insecure but strong and self-assured, she has transplanted the spiritual knowledge from Nsukka to her own home, and into her own soul, just as Jaja has relocated the purple hibiscus. Her role has changed from obedient daughter to responsible caretaker, and her disposition is cheerful and hopeful.

Jaja, on the other hand, has suffered great spiritual damage in sacrificing himself to save Mama, but he no doubt believes he made the right choice. His resolve is still strong, but he still harbors a resentment toward authority, harkening back to his feelings for Papa, and resists injustice at the expense of his own well-being.

Because this is a temporary situation, there is hope that Jaja will heal, especially once he returns home to the purple hibiscus and a place of love. It’s possible he will also assume a new kind of power in the home and community, one that harmonizes old and new.

News from America is disappointing, as the “spirit of family” (98) in Nsukka has altered considerably. Sacrifice in Nsukka involved a lack of material goods that could be transcended via a strong familial bond and spirit. Sacrifice in America involves a lack of family comradery in exchange for material necessities. The spiritual vacuum becomes apparent when Amaka states they don’t laugh anymore, indicating the core of their joy is gone, a severe loss they may never regain. Obiora’s promise of education and meaningful work fills this void, to an extent.

Kambili has gained wisdom and acceptance of her relationship with Father Amadi, now the embodiment of love beyond mere infatuation. She recognizes her ability to make her own choices, and in this case, she chooses to love freely, without fear of any personal emotional pain. Once again, she has incorporated her lessons from Nsukka into her life to her advantage.

Regardless of Kambili’s undeniable growth, she is still haunted by the dreaded silence of her early life. Nonetheless, she consciously revels in the “different silence” of peace, acceptance, and harmony of her adult life. Jaja is also included within this realm of serenity, implying that he will abandon his temporary harsh exterior and embrace a new, more tranquil existence.

As Mama and Kambili exit the literal prison, they also leave behind the symbolic prison that held them captive for so long. They are free, and Kambili sees many possibilities for their future. In revisiting Nsukka, they will become reacquainted with that world of acceptance and spiritual awakening, while reintroducing those concepts to Jaja, so he may move forward. In venturing to America, they will see what opportunities look like in a place of free speech and possibility, and they will reconnect with family. They will return to plant new orange trees in their homeland, Abba, a sign of rebirth and growth. Kambili, a joyous independent soul, and Mama, restored and finally smiling in the end, welcome the cleansing rains that “will come down soon” (307) and purify the world to create space for a new, hopeful one.