The Colour Purple

1220 Words5 Pages
Assignment Title: B). Write a critical analysis of The Color Purple. In this essay, I will critically write about two of the protagonist characters in the story, Celie and Shug and their relationship. I have also chosen to include a section on the importance of the colour Purple and its symbolism, as it is so significant throughout the book. Before my conclusion, I will comment on the language used in the text and give reference to the structure adopted by Alice Walker, the author. Celie is initially portrayed as being helpless and always vulnerable. However, she is also warm, kind and gentle and is able to be strong despite the abuse inflicted upon her. At the end of the story, she grows to be an independent, free woman and is shown to be a radical feminist, not following the traditional ideals of a good wife and mother. Alice Walker has associated the qualities of goodness and the sense of emancipation together, which I feel works well to convey the message that despite all the abuse and brutality Celie remains resilient and is rewarded with the freedom of her Spirit. She was able to hold on to her inherent power and strength of character and by the end of the story she is the victor. Celie finds no sexual pleasure or satisfaction in her marriage to Mr. ___. When Celie becomes aware of Shug in a photograph (Letter 6), she says, `Shug Avery was a woman’. The most beautiful woman I ever saw. I look at women, thou, cause I’m not scared of them’, (p7). (Walker 2003). Shug Avery is a sultry, `sassy’, famous blues singer, who is admired by everyone as the `Queen Honeybee’, (p42) or Sugar, or Shug. (Walker 2003). Celie says of her, `She just so sweet they call her Shug’. (Walker 2003). She is gentle and kind to Celie. I believe Celie feels Shug is everything she is not. Celie sees Shug as a role model. She is like a heroine, a queen! Celie
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