Potential Second Essay Topics

1. Safe: Comparing the two different families would be the safest option I'm considering. Although they are siblings from the same family, Eugene and Aunty Ifeoma lead polar opposite lives. The Achikes live an affluent lifestyle, never having to worry about having food on the table. They have their own personal driver, Kevin, as well as their own maid, Sisi. They are so wealthy that Eugene often shares the wealth with the Abba community, giving away nairas to those less fortunate. Aunty Ifeoma's family, on the other hand, comes from a rather impoverished life. They struggle to find food to put on their table, and they also struggle to cook the food with a lack of kerosene. Every meal, Aunty Ifeoma's entire family combined typically eats about one-third the size of an Achike's plate. They aren't able to drive around whenever, as fuel is far too costly for them to afford on the daily, and the entire family must contribute in the house chores. What interests me most about this topic is the differences in family happiness. Although Eugene and his family are basically set for life, none of them, if not only Eugene, are truly happy, where, on the contrary, Aunty Ifeoma and her children are the happiest people Kambili has ever encountered.
   
2. Likely: The topic I would most likely write about is Kambili's development. I would compare the person she is in the beginning of the novel to who she matures to at the end. In the beginning, Kambili is perceived as this reserved "backyard snob" who has everything in life handed to her. Deep down, she actually leads a tormented life, constantly living in fear. Afraid of slipping up, she is hyperaware of her father's reactions to every event she witnesses. As the story progresses, and as Kambili develops, she learns to question authority when necessary through Aunty Ifeoma's liberal outlook. Although many of the characters and many of the relationships in The Purple Hibiscus develop throughout the novel, Kambili's growth struck me most. She made a complete 180, becoming the girl she could only dream of ever becoming.
   
3. Risky: This may be a bit of a stretch, but a risky topic I have been considering is comparing Kambili from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel, The Purple Hibiscus, to Oliver Harris from Charles Baxter's short story, "A Relative Stranger." Though they do so in different manners, both characters possess reserved dispositions, constantly wondering and worrying about the world around them. Kambili views the world from a bystander's perspective, often beating herself up mentally about her inactions. She compares herself to others, comparing their qualities to her flaws. In addition, she secretly desires a close relationship, and her desire isn't blatantly revealed until she begins to have feelings for Father Amadi. Harris views the world in a similar standpoint, however, he is more aggressive--aggressive in the sense that he has his guard up. In essence, he longs for the world, yet bottles it up. Put up for adoption, he seeks a meaningful relationship, as he felt he lacked that intimate connection with another individual.