Cultural Intolerance Of Nigerian Culture In The Novel Purple Hibiscus

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In the novel Purple Hibiscus, culture is paramount to the development of both Kambili and Jaja while being a source of personal conflict or pride for other characters in the novel. There is a clear juxtaposition presented between cultural rejection and cultural acceptance of Nigerian culture by Nigerians which is depicted by contrasting characters like Papa Eugene, a product of colonialism, and Papa Nnukwu, a traditionalist. Adichie manipulates culture throughout the novel in order to emphasize its importance to personal identity and one’s authenticity, highlight the dangers of cultural intolerance and ignorance, and expose the implicit misconception of the superiority of Western civilization. Through Kambili’s exposure to culture in Nsukka, she gains an understanding of her roots and therefore herself. Via the indirect characterization of the character Amaka as an activist, Adichie is able to depict Kambili’s new found cultural awareness. A way in which Kambili is exposed to her Nigerian roots through Amaka is when Amaka states to Kambili, “I listen mostly to indigenous musicians. They’re culturally conscious; they have something real to say. Fela and Osadebe and Onyeka are my favorites. Oh, I’m sure you probably don’t know who they are, I’m …show more content…

Culture is presented as a source of conflict or pride for the characters and the effect of culture is to depict how non Western lifestyle is often neglected. The disregard for non Western culture is portrayed as negative, detrimental, and a source of identity crises for those whose culture is being neglected. Adichie manipulates culture throughout the novel in order to emphasize the importance of culture to personal identity and one’s authenticity, highlight the dangers of cultural intolerance and ignorance, and expose the misconception of the superiority of Western

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