Faith, Femininity, and
Resistance: A Feminist Perspective on Purple Hibiscus by
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Dr. Deepak Lathwal
ABSTRACT
This paper examines Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's
Purple Hibiscus through the lens of African Feminism, particularly
focusing on Stiwanism as outlined by Molara Ogundipe. The study
explores the intersection of gender, faith, and resistance within
the Nigerian socio-cultural context, emphasizing how women navigate
and challenge patriarchal structures in a postcolonial society.
Central to this analysis is how the novel portrays the roles of
women particularly Beatrice, Aunty Ifeoma, and Kambili—whose
experiences of oppression, resilience, and transformation underscore
the dynamics of gender inequality in both familial and societal
spheres. By applying Stiwanism, this paper will investigate the
characters' responses to patriarchal authority, gender expectations,
and the influence of religion, particularly Catholicism, on their
lives. It will also examine how women in Purple Hibiscus embody
agency, resistance, and empowerment within the constraints of
cultural traditions. The paper will engage with supplementary
feminist theories, such as Intersectionality and Postcolonial
Feminism, to further elucidate how the narrative critiques both
colonial legacies and contemporary gender oppression. Ultimately,
this study aims to contribute to the understanding of female
empowerment in postcolonial African literature and its relevance to
ongoing gender struggles in African societies.
Keywords: gender roles, intersectionality, patriarchy, resistance,
religion, Stiwanism.
