Chimamanda Adichie's Purple Hibiscus and Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart both highlight the complexity of father-son relationships. The major theme of parental conflict is developed throughout both texts and serves to illustrate the impact of Western imperialism on Igbo culture. While Adichie openly acknowledges that she was inspired by Achebe, a closer look at the nuanced differences between the two novels illuminates Adichie's own 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 inspire Okonkwo to pursue a better life in an attempt to disassociate himself from his father. On the other hand, Eugene, the antagonist and father figure of Purple Hibiscus, ostracizes his father based on religious disagreements. Adichie uses the differences between Eugene and Okonkwo's paternal conflicts to comment on the changes that Western colonialism has brought about in Nigeria. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get an Original EssayEven though Achebe and Adichie's works of realistic fiction share many similarities, the reasons and methods by which Eugene and Okonkwo's responses to the paternal conflict differ, thus allowing Adichie to describe the transition from Igbo to European-influenced Nigerian culture. The enmity between Okonkwo and his father, Unoka, is based on the pure norms of Igbo culture. More specifically, the instability is the result of Unoka's lack of determination and wealth: "When Unoka died, he had taken no titles 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 a notable member of Umuofia is what gives Okonkwo the drive to strive for greatness. The norms present in Umuofia have not yet been impacted by European colonialism and, as such, provide insight into the “original” values ​​of the Igbo tradition. As a result, Adichie is able to use these norms as a basis to create her own father-son dynamic by depicting the relationship between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu from a different perspective. While Okonkwo's society in Umuofia emphasizes the importance of titles and status, Eugene's society The more contemporary society of Enugu prioritizes Catholic principles, those derived from colonialism. The discord between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu is due to a fundamental difference in religious ideology. Eugene, who is Catholic, instills in his children the idea that participating in or even observing an Igbo tradition is a sin. This belief makes a stable relationship with his father impossible and leads to the estrangement of Papa Nnukwu in Eugene's life. Eugene attributes his prosperous life not to his father's advice but to the missionary school he attended as a child: “I didn't have a father who sent me to the best schools. My father spent his time worshiping the gods of wood and stone. I would be nothing today without the priests and sisters 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 Papa Nnukwu's decision to send Eugene to missionary school. However, after being indoctrinated into a strict set of beliefs prohibiting him from having contact with a non-believer, Eugene distances himself and his family from his father. Papa Nnukwu does not meet Eugene's standards and is therefore avoided. The transition of Nigerian society is obvious noonly in Eugene's preference for the white pastor, Father Benedict, over the Nigerian pastor, Father Amadi, but also in Eugene's fabricated British accent when addressing Father Benedict.Responses to conflicts parents are also different. Okonkwo espouses a set of ideals completely opposed to Unoka's in an attempt to differentiate himself from his father's unwanted legacy. Umuofia does not judge an individual by his ancestors; rather, judgment rests on the actions of the individual. Umuofia's clemency allows Okonkwo to pursue a better life, and he ultimately achieves his goal: "Even though 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 ancients said, if a child washed his hands, he could eat with kings. Okonkwo had clearly washed his hands, so he ate with the kings and elders” (p. 8). Thanks to his perseverance and determination, Okonkwo managed to establish himself as one of the “greatest men of his time”. Her character differs completely from that of Unoka; Unoka was cowardly, lazy and short. In contrast, Okonkwo was the greatest wrestler in the nine villages, unwavering in his work ethic and respected throughout the community. Okonkwo is said to have "washed his hands", suggesting that he has dissociated himself from his father's bad reputation and become a revered member of Umuofia. The struggle Okonkwo faces can be classified as an external struggle, in that it is largely societal pressure that motivates Okonkwo. Adichie modifies the underlying reasons for conflict seen in Things Fall Apart in her portrayal of Eugene and Papa Nnukwu to demonstrate the loss of culture. identity resulting from imperialism. The rift 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 centuries-old tradition of the Igbo. Adichie contrasts the Igbo tradition with the European tradition throughout the text to symbolize the transformation of postcolonial Nigerian society. Eugene's outspoken disapproval of Igbo tradition is pervasive throughout the text, to the extent that he urges his family to refrain from speaking in Igbo: "He [Eugene] barely spoke Igbo , and although Jaja and I talked about it with mom at home, he did it. I don't like us talking about it in public. We had to appear civilized 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 deep-rooted imperialist influence in Nigeria and the degree to which Eugene internalized it. Adichie uses Eugene's relationship with his father as a way to further develop the notion of an ideological conflict between generations resulting from colonialist influence. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Paper EssayThe differences in Adichie's and Achebe's depictions of father-son conflict illustrate Adichie's own expression of the effects of European influence on Nigerian society. Although Eugene and Okonkwo have shaky ties to their fathers, the core of each feud varies. While Okonkwo's relationship is affected by the norms of intact Igbo tradition, Eugene's relationship with his father is affected by the norms of postcolonial Nigerian society. By shifting the context and nature of the relationship between Eugene and Papa Nnukwu, Adichie essentially picks up the novel where Achebe left off..