How Does Adichie Present The Exclusion Of Traditional Igbo Culture

Your religion and traditions are a huge part of who you are; it shapes your life and personality. Of course, certain religions always have the upper hand and traditions are continuously changing. There have been religious takeovers, huge movements of conversions, and desperate attempts of religious dominance. Today, one of the most followed religions are christianity/catholicism. In “Purple Hibiscus”, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Papa is used as a religious icon to demonstrate the silencing and exclusion of traditional Igbo practice and culture through the theme, characters, and setting.
One of the biggest religions in Nigeria is Catholicism. It all started when Nigerians became colonized by the Europeans. Because of this, colonialism is a
His entire demeanor is suppose to represent the thoughts and opinions of Catholics towards those who do not follow Catholic ways. Papa’s strongest feelings of resentment are always towards Papa-Nnukwu. “I don’t like to send you to the home of a heathen, but God will protect you,” Papa said. (pg. 62, The Purple Hibiscus) This, most likely, represents the thoughts of Priest and Catholics who were sent on mission trips to Nigeria. You can already see from Papa’s character, that anyone who isn’t Catholic is seen as a heathen, especially Papa-Nnkwu. He always uses the word heathen to describe his father and the traditions that his father follows. “Papa looked at Jaja. “What did you say? Is that what you have learned from living in the same house as a heathen?”” (pg. 191 The Purple Hibiscus) The use of the word “heathen” sets an unsettling mood between the two and already draws a line between Papa and Papa-Nnukwu. Not only does Papa’s character work to diminish the Igbo culture, but so does Father Benedict. Father Benedict continues to separate the two as he “changed things in the parish, such as insisting that the Credo and Kyrie be recited only in Latin; Igbo was not acceptable.” (pg. 4, The Purple Hibiscus) He led the way and Papa followed. After that change, it only reinforced the idea that Igbo was not acceptable in Papa’s mind. This spread more hatred for the Igbo
Whether they are reasonable or not, tradition is tradition. One of the biggest turning points for Jaja and Kambili was the setting of the Aro Festival. Although it is considered harmless to most people, Jaja and Kambili were not allowed to go. As Aunty Ifeoma was trying to convince Mama to let Jaja and Kambili tag along to watch the mmuo, Mama replied “Eugene will not let the children go to a heathen festival.” (pg. 73, The Purple Hibiscus) Throughout the book, Mama balances between the two cultures, but here, you can easily see how influenced she can get through Papa’s words. Without thinking, she mimics his words and brings down the Igbo culture. Of course, Mama doesn’t mean any harm and the children do attend the Aro festival, but the constant questioning/belittling continues. ““That is our agowonatumbe,” Papa Nnukwu said proudly, after the mmuo had walked past.” (pg. 86, The Purple Hibiscus) He clearly doesn’t believe that spirits are inside the mmuo, but he is very proud of his tradition, something that Kambili and Jaja are forbidden to learn. Although their grandfather is clearly intrigued, Kambili can do nothing but shrink from the tradition and recall her father’s words. “The only time Papa had talked about ima mmuo was to say that the Christians who let their sons do it were confused, that they would end up in hellfire.” (pg. 87, The Purple Hibiscus) While everyone is enjoying the festival, Kambili is