SANCTIFIED EGO: NARCISSISM IN THE CLOAK OF RELIGION IN CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS
Résumé
This article considers the theme of narcissism in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus, with a focus on the character Eugene Achike, who portrays the traits of a narcissist covered in religious piety. Through a close reading of the novel, the paper reveals how Eugene’s obsessive Catholic devotion serves as both a cover-up and a tool for control, allowing him to wield spiritual authority while inflicting psychological and physical abuse on his family. Taking a cue from the main features of the grandiose narcissistic personality who needs control, lacks empathy, and embraces moral dictatorship, the paper reveals how Eugene showcases a saintly public image through philanthropy and church involvement, while ruling his house with a fist of fury. His addiction to religious purity becomes a means to legitimize cruelty, silence opposition, and punish perceived transgressions, especially in his wife and children. This paper further takes into account the outcome of Eugene’s narcissism in his family which include: emotional repression in Kambili, quiet rebellion in Jaja, and eventual psychological and physical collapse in Beatrice. It reveals how religious ideology, when weaponized by narcissistic personalities, can instil cycles of violence and silence. This article finally argues that Eugene’s sanctified ego portrays a dangerous connection between personal disorder and institutionalized belief systems, highlighting the dire need for discerning the line between faith and fanaticism.
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