AFRICA PROSE
ADICHIE CHIMAMANDA NGOZI: Purple Hibiscus
Discuss the relationship between Aunty Ifeoma and her father.
Explanation
One can hardly talk about Aunty Ifeoma and Papa-Nnukwu without mentioning Eugene. Despite being brother and sister, the two have very different outlooks on life Eugene, because of his nature, has given up on his father, whom he considers to be hell-bound. Because of this conviction, Eugene will have as little as possible to do with his father.
Aunty Ifeorna, on the other hand, is fanatically devoted to their father, never once missing an opportunity to come to his defense. Several times she has told Eugene that labeling the old man as heathen is erroneous: if Papa-Nnukwu is not Catholic, he is a traditionalist not a heathen.
Aunty Ifeoma adores her father, whom she is careful to include in their Christmas sightseeing. She listens to his stories no matter how many times he has told them. There is a special intimacy between the old man and his daughter. Papa-Nnukwu on his part loves his daughter deeply. He respects her tenacity as a single mother in their kind of society. She is permanently in his prayers. Papa-Nnukwu prays for his daughter-that her circumstances may turn around.
Petrol is in short supply when Papa-Nnukwn's health fails. Thanks to Father Amadi„ Aunty Ifeoma brings her father to Nsukka where he dies. But while he lives with her, Papa-Nnukwu's burden is borne by Aunty Ifeoma gallantly.
Determined to break Eugene's indoctrination of Kambili about Papa-Nnukwu, Aunty Ifeoma directs her to watch her grandfather at worship. Having heard and sent Papa-Nnukwu pray for everyone including Eugene, Kambili is left wondering whether there is not a mistake somewhere. He has prayed and wished everyone well. He even smiles after praying, which rarely happens in their Catholic home.
When Papa-Nnukwu dies Amity Ifeoma needs help to bury him. Eugene offers her conditional assistance for which she flares at him, There is no way Aunty Ifeoma is going to approve a Catholic funeral for her father. It is quite clear that Aunty Ifeoma holds her father in the highest esteem. Papa-Nnukwu returns this sentiment unconditionally.