Purple Hibiscus

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What meaning do the terms colonialism and postcolonialism have in the modern world? Considering the differences between the two terms, what appears to be key in sparking postcolonial conflicts? How did colonialism play a role in the Nigerian Civil War? Note other key facts you might know about this war, such as the demographics of the people involved and the reason why many countries were involved during the war.

Teaching Suggestion: Purple Hibiscus takes place shortly before the Nigerian Civil war. The protagonist in the novel, Kambili, is forced to navigate family differences due to colonial influence. Kambili’s father is a staunch Christian advocate while her grandfather is more traditional, creating family tensions. Postcolonial conflicts were key in creating division in Nigeria at the time in which the novel takes place. It may be beneficial to discuss the consequences of colonialism generally as well as in Nigeria, why postcolonial conflicts are triggered, and the differences between social groups in Nigeria to better inform students’ comprehension.

If students have little background knowledge of the Nigerian Civil War, the questions pertaining to this topic might be addressed after students complete pre-reading investigation using these or other sources.

• This two-minute video describes why there is a division between northern and southern Nigeria.
• This article explains possible triggers in postcolonial conflict.
• This 5-minute video describes the Nigerian Civil War.

Short Activity

In small groups, look at the images and objects displayed around the classroom that represent motifs, symbolism, and plot details from the novel. Use these images and objects to make predictions about Purple Hibiscus. Write your predictions on the paper provided near the image before moving to the next picture or object.

Teaching Suggestion: Prior to the arrival of students, collect printed images and/or symbolic items that represent important details from the novel. Poster-sized paper, flip charts, or paper from a banner roll placed near each image might work well for students to use in recording prereading responses. It may be beneficial to place the items in different locations to create ease of movement; consider dividing students into small groups with only a handful of students viewing each image or object at one time. (Instructions for a carousel can be found here.) Images can also be shared digitally through a shared slides presentation. Once students add their predictions, they can discuss their thoughts as a small group before having a larger class discussion. Suggestions for pictures and items are listed below.

• Purple Hibiscus
• Aro Festival
• Nigeria
• Nigerian Civil War
• Family/Extended family
• Dreams
• Eyes
• Freedom of Speech
• Intolerance

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

What generational differences do you recognize in your family? How do perspectives change as the culture changes? What steps do people take to preserve their generational ideas? What influences cultural changes?

Teaching Suggestion: The primary conflict in the novel centers on the repercussions of colonial influence on Nigerian culture. Consider discussing cultural changes and how perspectives alter from generation to generation.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who require an additional challenge, consider asking students to research different generations and identify factors that influenced the perspectives of those generations. Students may wish to share findings, or for an extra challenge, lead an open-ended discussion with peers on conflicts that arise due to generational differences.