Final answer:
Papa Eugene's behavior in 'Purple Hibiscus' is influenced by a stringent adherence to Catholicism and the legacies of colonialism, leading to a harmful family dynamic that represses and abuses, preventing individual growth and expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's novel Purple Hibiscus, Papa Eugene's actions stem from his devout Catholic beliefs and the pressure of conforming to colonial and religious expectations. This adherence to strict religious guidelines and the inflicted colonial mentality lead to a rigid and authoritarian household, causing harm to his family through emotional and physical abuse. The children, Kambili and Jaja, are particularly affected, experiencing fear and the inability to express themselves, inhibiting their personal growth and freedom.
The harmful nature of Papa Eugene's actions grows from deep-seated issues such as fanaticism and the internalization of colonial scorn for traditional Igbo practices. These internal conflicts, mirroring Chinua Achebe's description of the impact of colonialism on history and identity, become embedded within the fabric of the family's life. The inflicted trauma stymies the characters' development, leading to a domestic environment fraught with tension and the suppression of individual identities.