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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Purple Hibiscus
Aunty Ifeoma’s purple hibiscus represents the family’s freedom from Papa’s violence and oppression. The Achikes’ yard in Enugu is filled with red hibiscus, which are more common, yet their abundance is a sign of the family’s status. When Kambili first mentions the purple hibiscus, she explains that it lives in Aunty Ifeoma’s little garden in Nsukka, a place that represents independence and growth for the Achike children. As Kambili reflects on the events that will unfold later in the story, she describes the purple hibiscus as rare and fragrant with the undertones of freedom, in contrast to the plethora of red hibiscus that symbolize affluence and order. When things in the Achike household begin to change, Jaja brings cuttings of the purple hibiscus home to Enugu for the gardener to plant. His instinct to hide them away from Papa reveals his strong desire to protect the unique and precious gift Aunty Ifeoma has given him: a symbol of growth and freedom. Just before Jaja defies Papa on Palm Sunday, he notes that the purple hibiscuses are about to bloom, setting the tone for his own quest for his own rebellion against Papa’s oppression. At the end of the story, Kambili makes plans to plant purple hibiscus with Jaja in Abba once he is freed from prison. Throughout, the purple hibiscus serves as a reminder of joys that should be given space to grow.
Silence
Silence is a symbol of Papa’s control over the family and the tension that keeps them anxious and obedient. His disdain for chatter prompts Kambili and Jaja to often speak with their eyes instead of out loud. The silence in the Achike household is so oppressive that Kambili struggles to produce words at times when she is prompted. Aunty Ifeoma stands in contrast to silence. She laughs freely and loudly, and she is not afraid of Papa. Ifeoma’s introduction of laughter and direct speech foreshadows her role as catalyst to Kambili and Jaja’s quests to find their voices. While spending time with their aunt and cousins, Jaja and Kambili are finally able to break their family code of silence and speak about Papa’s abuse. By the end of the story, Kambili’s relationship with silence has changed. After Papa dies, there are many things Kambili and Mama don’t talk about, such as their financial situation or the many anonymous donations Papa made to charity. Kambili describes this silence as one that lets her breathe. However, that still has nightmares about the silence that was present when Papa was alive indicates that Papa still has an element of control over her even after his death.
Figurines
Mama’s figurines represent her delicate nature and susceptibility to Papa’s physical abuse. The figurines are first introduced in the scene on Palm Sunday, when Papa angrily throws a heavy religious book at Jaja and breaks them. They are described as finger-sized and depict ballerinas in various postures, both delicate and graceful. Prior to their destruction, Kambili is aware that Mama often polishes the figurines after Kambili has heard banging sounds from her parents’ room, and once when her eye is swollen and black-purple. When Mama returns from the hospital after losing her pregnancy to one of Papa’s beatings, she chooses to polish her figurines before she eats and bathes. The act of nurturing the figurines by making them shine is self-soothing. When Papa breaks the figurines on Palm Sunday, Mama tells Kambili that she will not replace them. Her decision reveals her private knowledge of a time soon to come in which Papa will not be able to hurt her anymore, and she will no longer need the figurine-polishing ritual for her personal survival.
