Skalstad, Leroy. Pixabay.com. Pixabay, 2016. Web. 30 May 2016.
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Papa-NnukwuPapa-Nnukwu highly influenced the plot of Purple Hibiscus and played a role in Kambili and Jaja's newly founded values. As the painting of him enraged his father, nearly killing Kambili, it escalated the plot to its downfall. The painting of Papa-Nnukwu has been chosen as an artifact from the book due to its symbolism and influence in the story. If Papa Eugene had not become so angry and beat Kambili nearly to death, it would not have as much significance. However, he turned into an animal when he caught sight of the painting. Therefore, it symbolizes freedom and anger because Eugene became infuriated, and Kambili was opening up more to "abnormalities" at their aunt's house.
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Reader's Understanding |
The painting of Papa-Nnukwu provides much insight to the reader in understanding the book as well. The painting also brought Amaka and Kambili closer when Amaka gave the painting to her to remember their experiences. It seems as though the symbols and significance of the painting are the way the reader understands, which is that things escalate, people change, and that the dead are not always lost. As Kambili returned from the hospital to her aunt's house, she changed and began to get more involved with "heathen" activities.
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Why Here? |
The painting of Papa-Nnukwu was placed in the 6th spot of the nine total artifacts. These artifacts, as a reader of the book can tell, are placed in chronological order, based on the most significance they played in certain parts of the book. As Kambili was nearly killed for having a painting of her own grandfather in her possession, it seemed right to place the painting towards the end, where the climax begins to take a turn of its own.
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