Alice Walker's depiction of a southern black woman in the novel The Color Purple is very powerful. One reason this is so is because Alice Walker applied a variety of literary devices to the story, giving it more of an impact. She used symbolism and applied her tone as an author. It's important to the author to use these devices in their novels, especially if they are trying to convey a certain message or issue to their readers.
The main character of this book is a lady named Celie. She does not really state that this is her name, but during the few times she is referred to. She starts off at the age of 14 in the book, but the book progresses through many years at a time. Celie writes the whole book in letters to God. Celie was raped constantly by what was assumed to be her father. Whoever the man was that raped her, was father to two of her children. Celie was never considered to be the pretty one she was always the somewhat average girl but constantly was told she was uglier than Nettie. She never referred to any of the men in her life whether it is her husband or her father, she always referred to them as Mr. Celie being the oldest sister has always been over-protective of her younger sister Nettie. She, in exchange for her beautiful sister is given to a man to be married. She then becomes step-mother to his children who are not very fond of her at first. Her new husband mistreated her just as much as her father did and treated her more like she was a slave than a person.She was abused emotionally, physically, and socially. She was also raped numerous times.
Celie learns how to live with the man but never really experiences love for him in her life. Then one day the one true love that Mr. ever had is brought into the picture. When Shug Avery is in town playing in a show she gets quite sick. Mr. sees this and brings her back to the house to stay Shug is a real head turner and even Miss Celie notices her. Celie falls head over heels in love with Shug and is very pleased to find out that Shug has fallen for her also. Although Shug can not love one person for too long, she always moves on. When Shug moves on to a man she met on the road Celie is heartbroken.
Celie's sister Nettie is the one true friend Celie has. She comes to the farm to stay for a while but is just as mistreated by Celie's husband as Celie is. Celie feels she must send her sister away for her benefit to avoid mistreatment from Mr.
If it had not been for the vivid vernacular placed upon her southern-born characters or the use of written letter form as an alternative to the form frequently in novels, this story wouldn't have left such a mark or rather, a stamp, on many souls.
Already have an account? Log In Now
3734