Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe both highlight the complexity of father-child relationships. The main theme of parental conflict is developed throughout both texts and serves to illustrate the impact of Western imperialism on Igbo culture. Although Adichie openly acknowledges that she was inspired by Achebe, a closer look at the subtle differences between the two novels illuminates Adichie's voice. Okonkwo, the misogynistic character with a masculinity complex, is a man still marked by his father's pathetic reputation in Things Fall Apart. His father's bad reputation and lack of titles push Okonkwo to pursue a better life in an attempt to dissociate himself from his father. On the other hand, Eugene, the antagonist and father figure in Purple Hibiscus, ostracizes his father on the basis of religious disagreement. Adichie uses the differences between Eugene and Okonkwo's paternal conflicts to comment on the changes that Western colonialism has brought to Nigeria. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Although Achebe and Adichie's works of realistic fiction share many similarities, the reasons and methods by which Eugene and Okonkwo respond to paternal conflict differ, thus allowing Adichie to portray the transition from Igbo culture to Nigerian-influenced culture. 'Europe. The enmity between Okonkwo and his father, Unoka, is based on the pure standards of Igbo culture. More specifically, the instability is the result of Unoka's lack of determination and wealth: “When Unoka died he had no title and was heavily in debt. Is it any wonder then that his son Okonkwo was ashamed of him? (page 8). Unoka's failure to become an important member within Umuofia is what gives Okonkwo the drive to strive for greatness. The standards present in Umuofia have not yet been influenced by European colonialism and, as such, give an idea of ​​the “original” values ​​of the Igbo tradition. As a result, Adichie is able to use these standards as a basis to create her own father-son dynamic by portraying the relationship between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu through a different lens. While Okonkwo's society in Umuofia emphasizes the importance of titles and status, Eugene's more contemporary society in Enugu prioritizes Catholic principles, those derived from colonialism. The discord between Eugene and Pope Nnukwu is due to a fundamental difference in religious ideology. Eugene, who is Catholic, instills in his children the idea that taking part in or even observing an Igbo tradition is a sin. This belief makes a stable relationship with his father impossible and leads to Papa Nnukwu's estrangement from Eugene's life. Eugene attributes his prosperous life not to his father's guidance but to the missionary school he attended as a child: “I didn't have a father to send me to the best schools. My father spent his time worshiping the gods of wood and stone. I would be nothing today if not for the priests and nuns of the mission” (p. 47). He believes that Papa Nnukwu, who practices Igbo traditions, is a pagan and goes so far as to severely limit Jaja and Kambili's interactions with him. Papa Nnukwu never wronged Eugene; in fact, it was Pope Nnukwu's decision to send Eugene to missionary school. However, after being indoctrinated into a strict set of beliefs that prohibit him from coming into contact with a non-believer, Eugene distances himself and his family from his father. Papa Nnukwu is not up to Eugene's standards and is shunned as a result. The transition of Nigerian society isevident not only in Eugene's preference for the white pastor, Father Benedict, over the Nigerian pastor, Father Amadi, but also in Eugene's manufactured British accent when speaking to Father Benedict.Responses to parental conflict are also different. Okonkwo espouses a set of ideals completely opposite to Unoka's in an attempt to differentiate himself from his father's undesirable legacy. Umuofia does not judge an individual based on their ancestry; rather, the judgment is based on the individual's actions. Umuofia's clemency allows Okonkwo to pursue a better life and ultimately achieves his goal: “Although Okonkwo was still young, he was already one of the greatest men of his time. Age was respected among his people, but achievement was revered. As the elders said, if a child washed his hands he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands, so he ate with kings and elders” (p.8). Through perseverance and determination, Okonkwo manages to establish himself as one of the “greatest men of his time”. His character differs completely from that of Unoka; Unoka was cowardly, lazy and of slight build. In contrast, Okonkwo was the greatest fighter in all nine villages, steadfast in his work ethic and respected throughout the community. Okonkwo is said to have "washed his hands", suggesting that he disassociated himself from his father's bad name and became a revered member of Umuofia. The struggle that Okonkwo faces can be classified as external, as it is largely social pressure that motivates Okonkwo. Adichie alters the underlying reasons for conflict seen in Things Fall Apart in her depiction of Eugene and Papa Nnukwu to demonstrate the loss of cultural value. identity as a result of imperialism. The disagreement between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu is a paradigm of the culture clash occurring on a larger scale in Nigeria. While Eugene practices Catholicism, a product of Christian expansionism in Africa, Papa Nnukwu practices the ancient Igbo tradition. Adichie contrasts Igbo tradition with European tradition throughout the text to symbolize the transformation of postcolonial Nigerian society. Eugene's outspoken disapproval of Igbo tradition is omnipresent throughout the text, to the point that he urges his family to refrain from speaking Igbo: “He [Eugene] scarcely spoke Igbo, and although Jaja and I spoke it with the mother at home, she did it, it's not like us to talk about it in public. We had to appear civil in public, he told us; we had to speak English” (p. 16). Eugene's attempt to instill in his children the idea that English is the “civilized” language is indicative of the profound imperialist influence in Nigeria and the degree to which Eugene has internalized it. Adichie uses Eugene's relationship with his father as a means to further develop the notion of ideological conflict between generations as a result of colonialist influence. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayThe differences in Adichie and Achebe's portrayal of father-son conflict exemplify Adichie's expression of the effects of European influence on Nigerian society. While both Eugene and Okonkwo have volatile ties to their fathers, the core of each feud varies. While Okonkwo's relationship is influenced by the standards of pristine Igbo tradition, Eugene's relationship with his father is influenced by the standards of postcolonial Nigerian society. By changing the context and nature of the relationship between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu, Adichie essentially picks up where Achebe left off. Since Purple Hibiscus is set after Things Fall Apart, Adichie uses the time gap to convey change.