Kambili

Question 1

quote analysis for Kambili’s contrasting emotions

Answer 1

“i wished i could get up and hug her, yet i wanted to push her away”

• conflicting emotions, wants to receive comfort from Mama but also is frustrated and angry with Mama because of her tolerance of Papa’s abuse
• she is finally starting to realise that Papa’s abuse is wrong and should not be tolerated
• a reflection of Papa in her thoughts, she may think that it is acceptable to inflict harm on her mother as Papa always does that to her.

Question 2

quote about Kambili’s desire for Papa’s love

Answer 2

“I knew that when the tea burned my tongue, it burned Papa’s love into me”

• tea burning represents physical and emotional pain inflicted by Papa
• Kambili has been taught to equate suffering with love.
• shows Papa’s conditional love
• Kambili’s urge to please and fulfil Papa’s wishes

Question 3

quote about Kambili’s household state

Answer 3

“I was not sure what my laughter sounded like”

• Kambili’s sadness and lack of joy in her household
• contrast to aunty ifeomas household
• Kambili has been detached from her individuality and emotions
• the Achike household is filled with silence and oppression
• laughter symbolises joy, freedom and spontaneity, all things that Kambili doesn’t get

Question 4

quote about Kambili defending Papa

Answer 4

“I meant to say I am sorry that Papa broke your figurines, but the words that came out were, ‘I’m sorry your figurines broke, Mama.’”

• Kambili is convinced that Papa cannot do any wrong
• she tries to defend him, even when he has done something abusive
• her choice of words distances from the act of Papa

Question 5

quote for Kambili’s original feelings to Papa

Answer 5

“when I thought of heaven as a child, I visualised Papa’s room”

• she has been taught this way by Papa since she was a child
• she praises Papa
• almost thinks of Papa as an angel??
• he is very powerful and is worthy of praise