Question

Purple hibiscus

Chapter 9

Why does Mama call Jaja and Kambili on this day rather than Papa? Why does Papa ask to speak to Ifeoma as well as his children that day?

Answer 1

1. Jaja had come first in his class, so Kambili imagines Papa hugging him and praising him. Then Papa comes to Kambili's room and she gives him the report card. Ifeoma asks them why they won't go in, and Kambili says that it's because Papa-Nnukwu is a pagan. She thinks that Papa would be proud of her for saying that. Later Kambili goes with Father Amadi as he says his goodbyes to some families. After one visit, as they are getting into the car, Kambili suddenly says “I love you.” Father Amadi presses his face against hers but doesn't kiss her.
2. Ifeoma says that her children are visiting Papa-Nnukwu and listening to his stories. Mama comes in and brings Ifeoma some food and drinks. Mama dismisses Ifeoma's arguments as “university talk.” Mama has no use for logic that does not apply to her situation. Papa-Nnukwu asks where he will be going and Aunty Ifeoma says he is a missionary and will go where he is told to go. Father Benedict visits often. During one of those visits, Jaja asks Kambili to show him Papa-Nnukwu's portrait again. Papa enters the room, sees the portrait, and flies into a rage. He tears up the portrait and kicks Kambili until she loses consciousness.