WAS FR. AMADI IN LOVE WITH KAMBILI IN PURPLE HIBISCUS?
Reading Adichie’s “Purple Hibiscus” in secondary school, a major highlight of the novel was the relationship dynamic between the protagonist of the novel, Kambili and Fr. Amadi. Still to this day, I sometimes wonder if the charismatic priest had romantic feelings for Kambili.
On one occasion, Fr. Amadi takes Kambili to Mama Joe, the hairdresser to plait her hair. The hairdresser, unaware of Fr. Amadi’s status as a Catholic clergy, teases Kambili and asks her if he is her boyfriend. When she learns that he is a priest, she’s disappointed but still insists that no man takes a girl to have her hair plaited unless he is interested in her.
So was the hairdresser right? Did Fr. Amadi like Kambili from a romantic point of view?
Well, in the novel “Purple Hibiscus” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it is not explicitly stated whether or not Fr. Amadi is in love with Kambili. However, there are indications in the book that suggest that Fr. Amadi cares deeply for Kambili and may have feelings of love for her.
Fr. Amadi is a mentor and friend to Kambili, and her brother, Jaja. He is the one who introduces them to the idea of a God who is loving and compassionate, as opposed to the strict and punishing God they have been taught by their father, Eugene. Fr. Amadi is also the one who provides Kambili and Jaja with a safe haven when they flee from their father’s house.
Throughout the novel, Fr. Amadi is shown to be deeply concerned for Kambili’s well-being and he takes care of her when she falls sick. He also listens to her when she needs to talk and offers her advice and guidance.
However, it is important to note that Fr. Amadi is a Catholic priest and is bound by the vows of celibacy and chastity. Thus, while he may have feelings of love for Kambili, it is unlikely that he would act on them.
In summary, Fr. Amadi is an important figure in Kambili’s life, and there are indications that he cares deeply for her and may have feelings of love for her, but it is not explicitly stated in the novel.
