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Themes In Purple Hibiscus

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“Abuse isn’t the bruises on the body that hurt, it is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind”-Aisha Mirza. This is the case for many victims of abuse, including the character Kambili and her family. Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda-Ngozi Adichie, is about a girl named Kambili and her family being abused by their father. When Kambili is enduring an abusive relationship with her father, changes a lot. She has become more outspoken, and more confident in herself. The Roman poet Horace once wrote, “Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” In Purple Hibiscus , Adichie utilizes the character Kambili to prove this idea to be true. In the beginning of Purple Hibiscus, Kambili adversities do elicit talents she never knew she had, which proves horaces’ argument that adversity leads to positive change. Kambili places second in her class which was disappointing to her father because he seen her place first before. She knew her father would be disappointed in her so she didn’t want to tell him. “Kambili”, Papa said breathing deeply. You didn’t put in your best this term. You came second because you choose to.” (Adichie 41-42). Kambili was frightened about what her dad 's response was going to be about how her place so she didn’t tell him instead she just handed him the report card. She was frightened because of her hardships which proved a response out of her . Secondly, Kambili pictures blood while

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