FOLKLORE AND IDENTITY IN CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE’S PURPLE HIBISCUS AND AMERICANAH

This paper examines the interplay of folklore and identity in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Purple Hibiscus and Americanah, exploring how cultural narratives, traditions, and societal norms shape personal and collective identity. The study adopts a qualitative research method, employing content analysis of the texts to evaluate how folklore serves as a vehicle for cultural preservation and self-definition. Adichie intricately weaves elements of folklore, including proverbs, customs, and oral traditions, into her narratives, illustrating the tensions between tradition and modernity, home and diaspora, as well as individual and collective identity. In Purple Hibiscus, the influence of colonialism on religious and cultural identity is brought to the fore, depicting characters struggling with imposed Western ideologies and indigenous traditions. Religious fundamentalism, family dynamics, and Igbo proverbs contribute to the construction of identity and highlight the complexities of cultural inheritance. Conversely, Americanah presents a transnational perspective, portraying the challenges of migration, racial identity, and cultural displacement. Ifemelu’s journey in America underscores the fluidity of identity as she navigates different cultural spaces, while Obinze’s experience in the UK reflects the intersection of class, race, and personal aspirations. Through an in-depth analysis of folklore and identity, this study underscores the role of storytelling in shaping perceptions of self and community. It concludes that folklore remains a powerful tool for cultural continuity, helping individuals negotiate their place within both local and global contexts. The findings advocate for a greater appreciation of indigenous knowledge systems in literary discourse, reinforcing the significance of cultural heritage in contemporary African narratives.