Flowers of Freedom: Voice, Defiance, and Coming of Age in Purple Hibiscus

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 2

10th Grade

Lesson 14 of 24

Objective


Analyze Kambili's changing views about religion.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  pp. 162 – 182 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

How do Kambili's views about religion begin to shift in this reading? Use one text-based vocabulary word in your response.

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What do you think was Aunty Ifeoma's purpose in waking Kambili up early so that she can watch Papa-Nnukwu pray? What does Kambili realize as she watches him pray?

How does Amaka react when Kambili stands up for herself on page 170? How does their relationship begin to change as a result of Kambili using her voice?

Consider the conversation about Father Amadi's missionary work with Papa-Nnukwu, Amaka, and Obiora on pages 172–173. What ideas about religion are developed in this scene? What do you notice about the ways characters act with each other when discussing religion? Why might this feel different or surprising for Kambili?

What new ideas and feelings does Kambili experience as a result of spending time with Father Amadi? How do these ideas and feelings cause her to have an internal conflict?

Vocabulary


Text-based

penitent

n.

(p. 175)

a person who shows they are sorrowful and regretful for having done wrong, especially a religious person who wants God to forgive them

implicate

v.

(p. 175)

show someone to be involved in a crime

reconcile

v.

(p. 178)

cause to coexist in harmony

Homework


  • Book: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  pp. 182 – 205

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What happened to Papa-Nnukwu?

  • Why does Kambili close her eyes as Jaja covers Papa-Nnukwu's body?

  • What does Kambili wish she could do to comfort Amaka? Why does she feel like she cannot do it?

  • How does Papa react when he hears the news about his father?

  • What does Amaka give Kambili as they are leaving?

  • What does Jaja say to Papa at dinner that upsets him?

  • What does Papa do to Kambili in the bathroom?

  • What anecdote from when he was younger does Papa tell Kambili in her bedroom?

  • What did Jaja bring home from Aunty Ifeoma's house?

  • What story does Ade Coker write in the Standard? How did Big Oga try to get him to not write that story?

  • How does Amaka treat Kambili when she speaks to her on the phone?

  • What does Kambili find herself writing on pieces of paper?

Notes for Teachers

The homework reading includes descriptions of physical abuse. Be mindful of how this content might impact students

Annotation Focus

Note moments in the reading in which you see references to hibiscus flowers. Quote a few of these moments with page numbers in your motif tracker in the row "Purple Hibiscus/Aunty Ifeoma's Garden." Explain to students that they are not required to write about the motif's significance yet, though they may add to that column if they have initial ideas. 

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Standards


  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
  • RL.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
  • RL.9-10.6 — Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.4
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10

Next

Analyze how Adichie uses characterization, symbolism, and structure to develop themes.

Lesson 15
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