27th Annual Student Research Conference
God is My Reason: The Effects of Post-Colonialism on Religion and Patriarchy in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies Purple Hibiscus
Kari A. Kolda
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of two adolescents, Kambili and Jaja, and their struggle to break free of their zealously religious father. Adichie uses themes of religion and the effects of post-colonialism on religious and patriarchal perspectives. Papa, the father of the narrator, displays prime examples of how his post-colonial upbringing affected his views of religion as well as his role within his family, which ultimately altered his behavior toward his family. Adichie also shows the effects of post-colonialism on religion and patriarchy through Papa's sister and father. Their non-conformity of post-colonial religious standards and veering away from patriarchal standards differs greatly from the stringent religious rules that Papa follows. The plethora of examples presented by Adichie helps show both sides of Papa and how post-colonialism and religion and patriarchy disturb the peace so desperately needed in his own home, as well as how the avoidance of post-colonialism promotes a healthy religious lifestyle.
Keywords: Purple Hibiscus, Religion, Post-colonialism, patriarchy, gender, Christianity/Catholicism, Literary theory, family
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 107-3
Location: VH 1320
Time: 8:30