EXAMINING THE REPERCUSSIONS OF CATHOLIC DISCREPANCY IN CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS(2003)

Abstract

The present research focuses on the Catholic discrepancy and its effects in influencing the formation of the African character’s hybrid identity in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus (2003). The main purpose of this research is to shed light on the two versions of Catholicism that are employed by Adichie and how they influenced the characters’ lives and identities. These two versions differ in terms of their tolerance to indigenous religion and culture. Accordingly, the strict Catholic father neglects his native culture whereas his sister tolerates it. Hence, the study attempts to develop a deep understanding of the outcomes of Catholic discrepancy that is employed by Adichie. The research analyzes Adichie’s work in the light of Bhabha’s postcolonial theory of Hybridity. Throughout the novel, the author portrayed how religious extremism can lead to violence and silence within the family and the society. Therefore, she provided an alternative by encouraging the integration of African culture within the Catholic Church i.e. inculturated Catholicism. Thus, African cultures will be able to coexist with the Catholic faith and the African character will be able to find a middle ground for his hybrid identity.