Through my reading of Purple Hibiscus so far, I have come to recognize that the plot of the novel somewhat demonstrates the parable of those who are poor being happy, and those who are rich being miserable. In this way, I believe that the author is commenting on the nature of material goods and how happiness results from spiritual and interpersonal connections.
In the beginning of Purple Hibiscus, the reader meets Kambili, a shy and quiet girl. It seems that Kambili suffers from a lack of identity in large part to the oppressive and overbearing nature of her father. Although she and her family may be materially rich, much is lacking both in spirituality and in their relationships with others which creates an unhappy family dynamic.
Kimball's family stands in direct contrast to the family of her Aunt Ifeoma. Although Aunt Ifeoma lives in the war torn area of Nsukka, which is in a constant state of unrest, she and her family are happy with what they have. Their happiness can partially be attributed to the freedom that they all have to speak their mind and to express themselves freely. I believe that the contrast between the two families is representative of the nature of money. Although money may be able to solve many problems in the world and allows all who hold it to have material comforts, true happiness, it seems, can only be gained through personal liberties and freedoms.
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