Silence is the enemy. It
can destroy relationships, friendships, and even families. Every character in
the book faces some sort of silence whether it be death, a raid of some sort,
or intimidation. Kambili was silence by intimidation of her father. Jaja was
silenced by being thrown into jail, because he was not only defending his
mother but protecting her.
The second section of the
book is titled, "Speaking with Our Spirits", briefly foreshadows how
and why Kambili and Jaja rarely speak to people and even each other. The two
finally learn how to communicate during the first trip to their aunt Ifeoma's
house.
- Aunt Ifeoma was getting Kambili involved in the daily chores, with the intention of acquainting her and Amaka. Kambili was helping Amaka peel yams for dinner. She was not doing it right and Amaka snapped at her for doing so. Aunt Ifeoma stopped Amaka and had Kambili do something else (134).
- The next day Kambili was thrown into the chore cycle again. Amaka made a comment to Kambili about the schedule her father makes, and how chores are fit in, This time Aunt Ifeoma did not speak up for Kambili and she had to learn how to stand up for herself (140).
The last section of the
book is titled, "A Different Silence". Somethings can go unsaid and
be understood. When Jaja was thrown in to jail Kambili and her mother both knew
the truth. Jaja on the other hand, his silence is strong and hard, and cannot
put into words his experience. Through his silence it is known to his sister
and mother how bad he has it.
- Kambili and her mother brought food to Jaja while he was in jail. During the visit, the mother could not hold back her tears, seeing her son in jail being treated poorly was enough of a punishment for her. Kambili tried to cheer him up by saying that he will be able to come home in a week or so. Jaja didn't have much to say, but by his gestures and small answers he didn't care anymore. His action of taking the blame and protecting his mother, made him realized that he will never be the same (304-305).
I noticed when Kambili finally spoke up for herself, her cousin was like "oh thats all?" like what she had to say didn't matter, and then her view of her changed, and she became more caring and considerate and nicer.
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