The Weight of Faith: Religious Symbols and Rituals as Tools of Oppression in Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus

This article explores the use of religious symbols and rituals as tools of oppression in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus. In the novel, Eugene, the central character, uses Christianity as a control mechanism, justifying both physical and psychological dominance within the family through religious authority. Through an analysis of key symbols such as the cross, the Bible, and Catholic rituals, this article argues that the rigid imposition of religious practices reinforces patriarchal power structures and suppresses individual autonomy. Adichie critiques the intersection of faith, colonial legacies, and power, showing how religious symbols, intended to foster faith and community, can be weaponized to enforce obedience and perpetuate suffering. The analysis further examines the contrast between Eugene’s oppressive religious practice and the more liberating forms of spirituality embraced by other characters, like Aunty Ifeoma and Papa Nnukwu, revealing the complex dynamics between faith, culture, and freedom in postcolonial Nigeria. Ultimately, this article highlights the ambivalence of religious symbols, demonstrating how they can both sustain and challenge structures of oppression.