Before we review the 1982 novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, it is essential to learn how renowned this piece is in women’s writings and yet how criticized it is for the themes and aspects of society it talks about. It discovers topics like racism, sexism, and personal development of the central character, Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century. With features like emotional depth, powerful storytelling, character development, addressing social issues, hope, and redemption, the novel continues to be praised by its readers till date.
When writing “The Color Purple”, Walker did not anticipate the level of recognition and acclaim it would receive. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983, making Walker the first African American woman to receive this honor. It also won the National Book Award for Fiction in the same year. Broadly classified as historical fiction and coming-of-age fiction, the novel also falls into the genres of African American literature and feminist literature.
Notably, there have been a few adaptations of this work in cinema as well, such as:
- A 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg
- A Tony Award-winning Broadway musical in 2005
- A 2023 musical film adaptation
The novel is meant to make you feel a deep emotional connection to the characters and their struggles. It aims to evoke feelings of empathy, reflection, anger, sadness, hope, and ultimately resilience. So, let us learn why and how “The Color Purple” deserves to be your next best read…
Characters and Plot (spoiler-less!)
The novel follows Celie’s life through a series of letters she writes to God. It begins with her early years, marked by abuse within her own household. A reader could see this gender-based oppression happening from the very start, making one sympathize with Celie’s character. As the story progresses, Celie connects with other women who help her discover her own strength and self-worth. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and strength as Celie’s journey leads her to personal and emotional liberation towards the end.
Below is a short list of major characters that you would meet while reading:
- Celie: The protagonist who endures significant hardships but gradually finds her voice and power.
- Sofia: Celie’s strong-willed and outspoken friend, who faces her own struggles with oppression but remains strong.
- Nettie: Celie’s sister, who provides emotional support and represents a different path of empowerment and education.
- Pa (Alphonso): Celie’s father, who abuses her early in the novel.
- Mr.____: Celie’s abusive husband, who initially represents the forces of oppression in her life.
- Shug Avery: A blues singer and Celie’s lover, who plays a crucial role in Celie’s personal growth and self-discovery.
The Epistolary Essence!
One of the best parts about the book is that it is written in epistolary form, that is, the story is narrated through letters. These letters are written by Celie and initially addressed to God, as she is allowed to only confide her feelings and experiences to Him. This showcases her isolation and lack of support from those around her. The broken language also showcases how Celie is little read and cannot freely express herself. Feeling she cannot share her deepest thoughts and troubles with anyone else, she turns to writing letters as a way to express her emotions and seek comfort.
Another important companion in her life is her sister, Nettie, whom she feels solace and safety with. However, as the story progresses even Nettie is taken away from her so she starts writing letters to Nettie. These include details about her experiences, personal growth, and observations about life, which Nettie eventually reads.
After meeting Shug Avery, Celie’s writing becomes more personal and expressive. This change reflects her growing self-confidence and embracing the self. Therefore, it is through these letters (used as motifs, one could say) that the journey of once shackled Celie unravels into the one who can now freely express and feel liberated in being herself.
The Thematic Trail!
The book is known for its thematic richness and exploration of complex issues like race, gender, and identity. Its vivid portrayal of these issues challenged societal norms and provoked conversations about topics that were often difficult to address openly in the 80’s. The novel’s candid exploration of the following themes contributed to its groundbreaking impact on literature and social discourse:
- Racial and Gender Oppression: The novel explores the systemic racism and sexism faced by African American women in the early 20th-century South, highlighting their struggles. Already considered the “second sex” in the households, black women (because of the racial differences) go on to become doubly marginalized.
- Personal Empowerment and Self-Discovery: Celie’s journey from oppression to self-empowerment is a central theme, focusing on her personal growth, self-worth, and the reclaiming of her identity. For instance, Celie’s gaining of financial independence through her sewing business, allows women to feel they could empower themselves too by practicing something they’re good at. Also, the act of writing letters serves as an outlet for her emotions and thoughts, ultimately letting her voice out and find courage.
- Sisterhood and Female Solidarity: Throughout her journey, Celie interacts with women like her sister Nettie, Shug Avery and Sofia- each of whom brings about a different change in her personality. The emphasis lies on how she finds support, friendship, and solidarity among women.
- Love and Redemption: The idea of ‘love’ might seem quite unclear as the novel begins. It is more about the kind of abuse Celie goes through and how she is robbed of the things she loves most. However, as the story progresses, different forms of love are examined, including romantic, familial, and self-love, and how they contribute to healing and personal redemption.
- Spirituality and Religion: Celie’s spiritual journey, initially expressed through her letters to God, reflects her evolving relationship with religion and her search for a personal connection with the divine. Little does she know that this divinity and freedom lies in her own self.
- Family and Identity: The novel delves into the complexities of family relationships and their impact on personal identity. We could see matters like incest, rape, and forced marriage coming to the surface from the very start. There are also moments of reconciliation as the novel closes, portraying that there could be a happy ending. Also, the character of Mr. __ is seen repenting and bringing about a change in himself.
- Economic Struggles: Celie belongs to a small, rural town in the American South, specifically in Georgia. This setting shows how economic hardship could impact individuals and families. This recurring theme gets a respite when gradually Celie starts earning and gaining independence through sewing and quilting.
Autobiographical, is it?
Walker belonged to Eatonton, Georgia, a small town in the rural South. Similarly, Celie’s character also comes from the American South. Walker grew up in a poor, sharecropping family, and her experiences in the segregated South and, racial and gender inequalities she faced as a child shaped her perspective and became central themes in her work.
Walker’s complex family dynamics are echoed in the novel, particularly the close bond between Celie and her sister Nettie, which mirrors Walker’s own relationships with her siblings. Moreover, Celie’s character is said to have directly drawn inspiration from Walker’s grandmother’s experiences too. So, not being strictly autobiographical, the book really does have some autobiographical elements driven from Walker’s life or that of her known ones.
Walker’s pursuit of education and eventual empowerment parallels Celie’s journey from illiteracy and silence to self-expression and independence. Walker’s exploration of spirituality, moving away from traditional religious views, is mirrored in Celie’s evolving understanding of God and spirituality. Additionally, Walker was influenced by strong women in her life, similar to how Celie is empowered by the women around her.
Called for Negative Criticism?
Even though praised by many, “The Color Purple” has faced bans and challenges in various schools and libraries across the United States as well as internationally. In some cases, the challenges to the book have led to court cases, with parents and community members arguing for its removal from school curricula or libraries. Walker’s portrayal of African American life in the early 20th century has also been called ‘unreal’ and ‘distorted’ by some critics.
It has also delineated various societal aspects like rape, incest, religious objections, violence, and homosexuality, centering around a woman’s life in a very raw manner. The language used has been considered pretty ‘fowl’ and ‘profane’, but I would rather say that the book is an unwavering account of a black woman’s life who lives in the bushes and has negligible access to education and freedom of expression, at least initially.
The novel has faced criticism for its portrayal of Black men, many of whom are depicted as abusive and oppressive. Critics have pointed out that it reinforces negative stereotypes about Black masculinity and does not provide a balanced portrayal. Critics have also argued that the content is too disturbing and stands ‘inappropriate’ for certain audiences.
The novel is also criticized for its exploration of lesbian relationships, which was really hard to accept for people at that time, as the concept was way newer than how it is today. The novel’s critique of traditional religious beliefs has sparked controversy, particularly among conservative readers, viewers, and/or communities who view these topics as challenging or unacceptable.
Concluding Notes
If you are someone who likes to read black or feminist literature, this book would definitely not be a disappointment. It will provide you with those aspects of a black woman’s life that are rarely talked openly about. The narration also seems to be realistic from the point of view that Walker herself experienced and/or witnessed the delineated elements in the book throughout her life.
Following are the questions that “The Color Purple” would supposedly leave you with:
- How do love and forgiveness contribute to healing and personal growth?
- How does economic independence influence personal freedom and self-worth?
- What is the significance of spirituality and its evolution in one’s life?
- What impact does family, both biological and chosen, have on shaping our identities?
- What does it mean to reclaim power and agency in a world that seeks to suppress it?
You may purchase “The Color Purple” through online sources like Amazon, Flipkart, Barnes & Noble, and more. The book is also available on Ebook platforms like Apple Books, and Google Play Books. Being a well-recognized literary gem, it is also widely available in libraries and bookstores near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jennis Jacob, a passionate literary enthusiast in her 20s, is a writer and poet. With eight years of experience in literature, she is currently a master in English and finds inspiration in Womanist, American, and Indian Partition Literatures. Her works have appeared in anthologies such as ‘Carved Words Of Creative Minds’ and ‘100 Splendid Voices,’ and she is working on upcoming books. Through LitWithASip, she aims to ignite a love for literature and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
