Who Is The Antagonist In 'Purple Hibiscus' And Why?

2025-06-28 05:35:10 124

3 Réponses

Weston
Weston
2025-06-29 10:52:21
The main antagonist in 'Purple Hibiscus' is Eugene Achike, the father of the protagonist Kambili. He's a wealthy and devout Catholic who rules his household with an iron fist, masking his cruelty behind religious piety. Eugene beats his wife and children for minor 'sins' like not finishing their homework or visiting their 'heathen' grandfather. His abuse isn't just physical—he isolates his family, controls every aspect of their lives, and enforces silence through fear. What makes him terrifying is how he genuinely believes he's saving their souls. The church praises him as a pillar of the community, which highlights the hypocrisy of his character. His tyranny represents the toxic blend of colonialism and religious fundamentalism in postcolonial Nigeria.
Freya
Freya
2025-07-03 10:27:29
In 'Purple Hibiscus', the antagonist Eugene Achike embodies the destructive power of internalized oppression. As a successful businessman and devout Catholic, he violently rejects traditional Igbo culture while worshipping European ideals. His abuse towards his family—especially his son Jaja, who dares to rebel—reveals deep insecurity masked as discipline.

The novel contrasts Eugene with his sister Ifeoma, who represents progressive values. Where Ifeoma encourages critical thinking, Eugene demands blind obedience. His home becomes a prison where meals are timed to the minute and laughter is forbidden. The turning point comes when he hospitalizes his wife for visiting her own father, exposing how his 'protection' is really control.

What's chilling is how ordinary Eugene seems—a respected community leader who donates to churches while breaking his children's fingers for failing tests. His character asks uncomfortable questions about how power corrupts, and how religion can weaponize abuse. When Jaja finally stands up to him, it's not just personal rebellion but a rejection of the colonial mindset Eugene represents.
Clara
Clara
2025-07-03 16:57:28
Eugene Achike in 'Purple Hibiscus' is one of those antagonists that lingers in your mind because he's terrifyingly realistic. He isn't some cartoon villain—he's a father who quotes Bible verses while pouring boiling water on his children's feet. His abuse stems from warped love; he thinks brutality will make his family 'perfect' in God's eyes.

The irony cuts deep. Eugene publicly fights for democracy but runs a dictatorship at home. He funds newspapers that criticize the military regime yet beats his daughter for getting second place in school. This hypocrisy mirrors Nigeria's postcolonial struggles—the way external oppression gets recycled into domestic violence.

What fascinates me is how his children perceive him. Kambili initially worships him, which makes her awakening more powerful. When she finally sees his fragility—how he crumbles after Jaja rebels—it reshapes her entire world. The real antagonist isn't just Eugene, but the silence he imposes. The novel's triumph is watching that silence shatter.
Toutes les réponses
Scanner le code pour télécharger l'application

Livres associés

Dreams of Purple
Dreams of Purple
In the dystopian future, singularity is within sight, over half of the population is obsessed with a brand new psychoactive substance, and transhumans outnumber humans. Kaiser Vrix is a private eye employed to search out a computer jock with plans of taking down the whole government with one virus. With the assistance of his machine intelligence, will Kaiser stop the Hacker referred to as Thinker?
10
27 Chapitres
Why Mr CEO, Why Me
Why Mr CEO, Why Me
She came to Australia from India to achieve her dreams, but an innocent visit to the notorious kings street in Sydney changed her life. From an international exchange student/intern (in a small local company) to Madam of Chen's family, one of the most powerful families in the world, her life took a 180-degree turn. She couldn’t believe how her fate got twisted this way with the most dangerous and noble man, who until now was resistant to the women. The key thing was that she was not very keen to the change her life like this. Even when she was rotten spoiled by him, she was still not ready to accept her identity as the wife of this ridiculously man.
9.7
62 Chapitres
Why Me?
Why Me?
Why Me? Have you ever questioned this yourself? Bullying -> Love -> Hatred -> Romance -> Friendship -> Harassment -> Revenge -> Forgiving -> ... The story is about a girl who is oversized or fat. She rarely has any friends. She goes through lots of hardships in her life, be in her family or school or high school or her love life. The story starts from her school life and it goes on. But with all those hardships, will she give up? Or will she be able to survive and make herself stronger? Will she be able to make friends? Will she get love? <<…So, I was swayed for a moment." His words were like bullets piercing my heart. I still could not believe what he was saying, I grabbed his shirt and asked with tears in my eyes, "What about the time... the time we spent together? What about everything we did together? What about…" He interrupted me as he made his shirt free from my hand looked at the side she was and said, "It was a time pass for me. Just look at her and look at yourself in the mirror. I love her. I missed her. I did not feel anything for you. I just played with you. Do you think a fatty like you deserves me? Ha-ha, did you really think I loved a hippo like you? ">> P.S.> The cover's original does not belong to me.
10
107 Chapitres
WHY ME
WHY ME
Eighteen-year-old Ayesha dreams of pursuing her education and building a life on her own terms. But when her traditional family arranges her marriage to Arman, the eldest son of a wealthy and influential family, her world is turned upside down. Stripped of her independence and into a household where she is treated as an outsider, Ayesha quickly learns that her worth is seen only in terms of what she can provide—not who she is. Arman, cold and distant, seems to care little for her struggles, and his family spares no opportunity to remind Ayesha of her "place." Despite their cruelty, she refuses to be crushed. With courage and determination, Ayesha begins to carve out her own identity, even in the face of hostility. As tensions rise and secrets within the household come to light, Ayesha is faced with a choice: remain trapped in a marriage that diminishes her, or fight for the freedom and self-respect she deserves. Along the way, she discovers that strength can be found in the most unexpected places—and that love, even in its most fragile form, can transform and heal. Why Me is a heart-wrenching story of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of standing up for oneself, set against the backdrop of tradition and societal expectations. is a poignant and powerful exploration of resilience, identity, and the battle for autonomy. Set against the backdrop of tradition and societal expectations, it is a moving story of finding hope, strength, and love in the darkest of times.But at the end she will find LOVE.
Notes insuffisantes
160 Chapitres
Purple Moon: Crazy Love
Purple Moon: Crazy Love
If love is a poison, it is a feeling between the present and the past and the future. Then let's form the most beautiful flower in this world. She met and fell in love with him, a simple love without any calculation. But he forgot her. The second time she met him, she was smart with him, but with a calculated love, she ended up hurting him and herself. He had forgotten her, but deep in his heart, he had never forgotten that beautiful love. Just meet her again, he will love and want to protect her again, despite the extreme way he loves her, he has never denied that part of his affection. She and him, two parallel lines have intersected and merged into one. Love you, this life I'm not wrong Love you, forever unrequited
10
157 Chapitres
Reckoning of the purple moon
Reckoning of the purple moon
Exiled for a mistake, Ivory Wells navigates a lonely life. Seven years ago, a betrayal by Darrel Williams led to a tragic accident that injured the future Luna. Forced from her pack, Ivory faced a harsh reality - expulsion, lost love, and the struggle to raise a child on her own in the human world.
6.5
128 Chapitres

Autres questions liées

What Is The Significance Of The Purple Hibiscus In The Novel?

3 Réponses2025-06-28 11:51:02
The purple hibiscus in the novel stands out as a powerful symbol of freedom and resistance against oppression. Its vibrant color contrasts sharply with the oppressive environment the characters endure, representing hope and the possibility of change. The flower's rarity mirrors the protagonist's struggle to break free from her father's tyrannical rule. It’s not just a plant; it’s a silent rebellion, a beacon for those yearning to escape societal and familial constraints. The hibiscus thrives despite harsh conditions, much like the characters who find strength to challenge their circumstances. Its presence in key moments underscores transformation—wilting under pressure yet blooming when nurtured, reflecting the characters' resilience.

How Does 'Purple Hibiscus' Depict Postcolonial Nigeria?

3 Réponses2025-06-28 08:21:39
The depiction of postcolonial Nigeria in 'Purple Hibiscus' is raw and unflinching. Kambili's family embodies the cultural clash between traditional values and colonial influence. Her father Eugene, a devout Catholic, represents the extreme adoption of Western ideals—he rejects indigenous customs, beats his family for 'sinning,' and funds foreign missionaries. The irony? He runs a newspaper criticizing government corruption while perpetuating tyranny at home. The novel contrasts this with Aunt Ifeoma's household, where Igbo traditions blend with progressive education. The military coup backdrop mirrors this tension—old power structures crumbling as people fight for autonomy. The purple hibiscus itself becomes a symbol of fragile hope growing in oppressive soil, much like Nigeria's postcolonial identity struggling to bloom.

What Role Does Religion Play In 'Purple Hibiscus'?

3 Réponses2025-06-28 05:29:33
Religion in 'Purple Hibiscus' is like a double-edged sword, cutting deep into the characters' lives. On one side, it's a tool of oppression—Papa Eugene uses Catholicism to control his family, twisting faith into rigid rules and brutal punishments. His obsession with purity and obedience turns their home into a prison. But there's another side too. Aunty Ifeoma embraces a more joyful, questioning version of faith, showing Kambili that religion can coexist with laughter and critical thinking. The contrast between these approaches makes religion central to Kambili's awakening. It's not just about church; it's about how belief systems shape freedom versus fear.

How Does Kambili'S Character Evolve In 'Purple Hibiscus'?

3 Réponses2025-06-28 05:20:24
Kambili's journey in 'Purple Hibiscus' is a quiet storm of transformation. Initially, she's a shell of a girl, crushed under her father's tyranny, speaking in whispers and measuring every word. Her world is small, defined by fear and rigid rules. Visiting her aunt Ifeoma cracks that shell open. In Nsukka, laughter isn't forbidden, questions aren't punished, and the purple hibiscus blooms wild—just like Kambili's spirit. She discovers her voice, literally and metaphorically. By the end, she challenges her father's authority, defends her mother, and chooses love over fear. Her evolution isn't dramatic explosions but subtle shifts—like learning to sing aloud or choosing yellow for her room instead of her father's preferred white. That's the beauty of it; her strength grows softly but unbreakably, like roots under concrete.

How Does 'Purple Hibiscus' Explore Family Dynamics And Abuse?

3 Réponses2025-06-28 10:27:40
Kambili's family in 'Purple Hibiscus' is a ticking time bomb of control and fear. Her father Eugene is a monster wrapped in religious piety, beating his wife and children for minor 'sins' like not finishing their tea fast enough. The abuse isn't just physical—it's psychological warfare. Kambili's entire world shrinks to walking on eggshells, measuring every word to avoid setting him off. What chills me is how Eugene justifies it as 'discipline,' twisting Catholicism into a weapon. The contrast with her aunt Ifeoma's chaotic but loving household shows another way to be a family—full of debates, laughter, and actual care. Kambili's journey is about unlearning that fear equals love.

Why Is My Orbi Purple

4 Réponses2025-03-21 17:47:43
I'm no tech whiz, but I can share my experience with my Orbi turning purple. It usually happens when there's a connection issue. Like, if the satellite can’t communicate with the router for some reason. It’s super annoying, especially when you’re in the middle of streaming or gaming. I tried restarting it a couple of times, and that seemed to help. Also, make sure your firmware is updated and check the placement of your satellite. Sometimes, a simple adjustment can fix the issue!

What Does Purple Lightning Mean

3 Réponses2025-03-11 16:47:20
Purple lightning is pretty intriguing. It's often regarded as a symbol of unique energy and high-frequency vibes. Some say it represents spiritual awakening or transformation, like a burst of creativity. Plus, it's just visually striking! I think it makes things feel more magical and intense, don’t you?

What Does Purple Sound Like

4 Réponses2025-03-20 21:36:04
To me, purple sounds cozy and mysterious, like a soft note played by a violin in a dimly lit room. It's the kind of sound that makes you feel wrapped up in a warm blanket on a rainy day. I picture it having a rhythmic flow, maybe like the gentle strumming of a lute. It invites you to dive into a world of imagination. When I think about it, I hear playful whispers, as if secrets are being shared, blending into a soothing melody that resonates with creativity and dreaminess. All in all, it's a rich audio experience, as captivating as the color itself.
Découvrez et lisez de bons romans gratuitement
Accédez gratuitement à un grand nombre de bons romans sur GoodNovel. Téléchargez les livres que vous aimez et lisez où et quand vous voulez.
Lisez des livres gratuitement sur l'APP
Scanner le code pour lire sur l'application
DMCA.com Protection Status