Character Sketch of Papa

The character of Papa (Eugene) is an example of what can happen when a person uses religion to justify their actions throughout life. He is an older Catholic man, living in post-colonial Nigeria, most likely in his 50s, with a possibly younger wife who is attempting to conceive a child in order to hold her family and position in society together. His most interesting relationship is with his daughter, Kambili. She is unable to see what the reader sees. She looks up at Papa with both admiration and fear even though he abuses the family. He beats each member of the family and psychologically torments them. Kambili’s consistent attempts to please him in every aspect of life showcases the behavior of someone who is abused and struggling to please their abuser. Every semester she tries to be first in her class of 25. When she comes in an impressive second one semester, he subjects her to psychological punishment. However, Papa shows more affection for Kambili than he does anyone else in the book. Papa is not only a tyrannical figure in his household, but also in the religious community as well. He controls many of the actions that occur with the priest and other aspects of the Church. When Kambili goes in for a confessional one day, it can be noted that it appears as if the Priest already knows what she has done. This is concerning because what should be considered a very private, therapeutic event for Kambili is in actuality another attempt from her father to psychologically manipulate her. He does care for his family, but he has no compassion and a warped sense of morality. He wants his family members to succeed not simply for them, but for himself.

If I had to compare him to one character in the short stories we have read it would be Shakumar in a Temporary Matter. Papa and Shakumar parallel each other in a couple of ways. Papa is oblivious to the seriousness of the problems in his families relationships, while Shakumar can also be described in the same way. They both don’t realize what their lack of affection towards their family members has done until it is too late. In many ways, Shobha, the wife in a Temporary Matter is also similar to Beatrice, Papa’s wife. Both suffer from a miscarriage and struggle with the aftermath while living in unsatisfying marriages. They also feel as if they are less of a woman because they are unable to carry those children to term.