After Jaja refuses to take Communion, defying Papa, and Papa breaks the figurines, the family is forever changed. This change is
neither all bad nor all good. It marks the beginning of the end of Papa's oppressive rule. Mama speaks louder, smiles a little, and doesn't sneak around. Jaja continues to defy Papa without consequence. Yet, something about the new state of things is still going to hurt them, the way glass can cut after breaking. The symbol of the figurines as representing their submission to Papa's rule is clarified in this metaphor.
The old silence had broken and left us with the sharp pieces.
Explanation:
This metaphor refers to the fact that Jaja's family always knew that she would rebel against them but they did not wanted to accept that fact, but they closed their minds and when she finally snapped, they did not knew what to do and that changed her whole family for ever.
The author supports his argument with a claim that a 16 year old's brain needs more time to develop. He also includes an opposing claim that a person's brain at 16 years old is mature enough to vote.
