Final answer:
Adichie begins 'Purple Hibiscus' on Palm Sunday to set the tone for change and to parallel the protagonist's journey with religious symbolism. The non-linear start creates suspense and reflects the thematic elements of transformation and redemption, engaging readers right away.
Step-by-step explanation:
By starting Purple Hibiscus on Palm Sunday, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie immediately sets the tone for the story and introduces readers to the concept of tension and impending change. This non-chronological beginning heightens the readers' curiosity about the events that led up to this day and emphasizes the thematic elements of religious symbolism and personal transformation. The displacement of the chronological order not only creates suspense but also mirrors the tumultuous journey of the protagonist, which unfolds non-linearly as her understanding of herself and her family history evolves.
The use of religious events such as Palm Sunday, a significant day in the Christian calendar symbolizing Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of His journey to the cross, draws parallels to the story's exploration of suffering and redemption. This narrative decision by Adichie may suggest that just as Palm Sunday leads up to a major revelation in the Christian faith, the story begins at a crucial turning point, hinting at the significant transformations to follow.
Finally, starting the story in medias res, or in the midst of things, is a rhetorically effective way to draw readers into the emotional landscape of the characters, as they are immediately plunged into a significant moment without preamble. This technique reinforces the concept that the characters' lives are part of an ongoing process, involving struggles that might continue to unfold or that might be resolved by the story's conclusion, much like the ongoing creation in John Hick's interpretation of the Genesis story.