(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The color purple


Her character eventually leads her to jail when she disrespects the mayor's wife. According to Celie, if Harpo "hadn't tried to rule over Sofia," she would never have ended up in jail (207). Celie blames men for Sofia's change from a warm, happy woman to a bitter person who only wants to get through life without killing someone.
             Nettie shows a different perspective of woman suffrage from outside the Deep South. After she was thrown out of Mr.___'s house, she goes to Africa with a family of Christian missionaries. In her letters to Celie, she describes the customs of the Olinka tribe in Africa. The Olinka women have their place in the society and the tribe does " not believe girls should be educated" (161). They are found collecting rootleaf for the roofs and other such work or tending to the children. The men keep numerous wives, but do not share a friendship with any because "a woman cannot really have a man for a friend without the worst kind of ostracism and gossip" (172). The men never "look at women when they are speaking," but instead at the ground (168). The women do not dare to make eye contact also. The men of the tribe have " life and death power over the wife. If he accuses on of his wives of witchcraft or infidelity, she can be killed" (172). Nettie, familiar to these oppressions, continues to teach girls and has a huge impact on one of the Olinka women. Together they share a bond and she finds comfort in Nettie after her .
             husband dies. Nettie shows Celie that black women's inferiority to black men is a universal idea and that they can still relate even though they are so far apart.
             .
             Melde 3.
             Shug Avery, a famous black singer, is the most independent woman in the novel. But even Shug admits to Celie that when she was young, her "daddy love [her] to kiss and hug him" (126). Her pride and independence act as a catalyst for Celie and others on their fight for freedom. Shug is the cause of Celie's liberation and has a great deal of power over men.


Essays Related to The color purple


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question