Ideas for Future Essay

I want to delve more into Papa Eugene and Kambili’s relationship, while comparing it to a relationship in another story. I think that the behavior that both exhibit is characteristic of many abusive relationships. While we, the reader, may have difficulty understanding it, I think that it is actually very typical of an abusive relationship. I still do not know what story I could compare it with. I have a few ideas including comparing it to the relationship in “The End of Something” by Ernest Hemingway, which although about a couple in a non-abusive relationship is also about a couple struggling to end their relationship. I feel like Kambili later on does not know how to properly end her relationship with her father. Of course then he gets killed (spoiler!) so maybe that’s not the best idea. Basically, I want to explore the relationship between Papa Eugene and Kambili, but I am struggling with ideas for stories to compare it to. So if anyone has any ideas, comment below please!

I want to explore Kambili’s character more and compare her to a character in one of the short stories. I think that she goes through an incredible amount of growth during this story. When forced to spend time at Aunty Ifeoma’s house she learns more about herself and the family history her father tried to repress. She also experiences a sort of sexual awakening that has not been seen before when she falls for the priest. I think that this character growth can be compared to that of the female character in “The Most Girl Part of You” by Amy Hempel. Both stories have a coming of age theme and the female character in “The Most Girl Part of You” is having an attraction that she has not had before. They both also come from broken families, which perhaps impacts their relationships with the opposite sex. Kambili, coming from a religious family, ironically falls for the priest in the story. I wonder how her religious upbringing impacted this.

I also was thinking about taking Papa Eugene’s character and comparing it to the grandmother character in “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor. I am hesitant to do this, however, because my last paper included an in-depth analysis on the religious themes in that short story and its effect on the final scene. I think that both characters are very similar though. They both put themselves and their needs above those of their families. They also use religion to excuse their behavior. Hiding behind religion is a way for them to forgive themselves for the horrible things they do. Both characters are very selfish despite their claims that they are just trying to help the greater good and achieve a deep spirituality. I think that the grandmother achieves redemption by the end of the story but I do not know if Papa Eugene does at the end.