Purple Hibiscus

Explain the central idea of Adichie’s talk and identify the techniques she uses to build her argument.

Draw conclusions about Nigeria after reviewing "multiple stories" from the complex country that is the setting of the novel.

Infer the major themes and symbols of the novel through pre-reading the cover and first sentence of the novel.

Explain the complex characterization of Papa in these initial pages of the novel.

Identify one of the major conflicts of the novel and be able to explain how the author uses symbols and characters to develop the conflict.

Identify the structure of the novel and explain its significance. Students will also be able to identify the power dynamics amongst the major characters.

Explain how the poets use figurative language and structure to develop theme.

Explore the theme of love and how the author conveys this theme in chapters two and three.

Identify examples of the themes of freedom and silence in this section of text. Students will also be able to explain the irony in the difference between Papa’s personal and political actions.

Infer Papa’s values based on his relationship and interactions with Papa Nnukwu.

Explain how and why the author uses the character of Kambili’s father as a foil to Kambili.

Analyze the interactions between Mama and Aunty Ifeoma in order to make inferences about each of these major characters.

Analyze the motivations that drive the actions of the major characters in the novel.

Identify how Adichie develops the theme of tradition by examining the Achike family’s visit to the village.

Determine, through discussion, how Adichie develops the Achike family as a microcosm for the larger Nigerian society.

Write in response to a literary analysis prompt on theme using the information gathered during the “microcosm” activity from the day before.

Compare Nsukka and Aunty Ifeoma’s home with Enugu and the Achike family’s home, drawing inferences about the author’s purpose in making the two so different.

Analyze how the author develops the theme of freedom in this chapter.

Explain how Adichie uses Amaka as a foil to reveal Kambili’s character.

Analyze Kambili’s internal conflict and how it is developing over the course of the novel.

Analyze the effect Ifeoma and her children have on Jaja and Kambili, and the way Ifeoma acts as a contrast to Eugene in their lives.

Contrast Kambili’s feelings for her father with her feelings for Father Amadi and use them to draw conclusions about the theme of love.

Analyze how Kambili changes during her time at Aunty Ifeoma’s. Students will also be able to analyze the poem “Hanging Fire.”

Write an essay in which they compare how the poet and the author each develop the theme of identity.

Analyze the significance of Kambili and Jaja’s reactions to Papa’s violence.

Identify the theme of a poem and compare it to this excerpt of the novel.

Explain how the author employs literary devices to build the conflict and tension for the reader.

Analyze the symbol of aku and explain how Adichie uses the ritual with the aku to express the theme/central idea of these pages.

Explain how Adichie continues to develop the theme of freedom and coming of age in this excerpt.

Analyze the structure of the novel and explain how the structure develops the conflict and themes.

Independently craft theme statements based on thematic topics in Purple Hibiscus.

Analyze the actions and interactions between Mama, Jaja, and Kambili after Papa’s death.

Analyze the conclusion of the novel.

Explain how the author would answer the major thematic questions of the unit.