The Color Purple Research Paper Analysis Essay Example

homemakers by the 1920s. Women mostly worked in teaching, nursing, clerical positions or domestic services; it was rare for them to be employed in business or finance. The Color Purple novel depicts Celie's rejection of traditional female roles as homemakers and caretakers. Many consider it feminist literature; however, Walker identifies it as "womanist" writing that celebrates women's culture, emotional flexibility and strength while focusing on female struggles to emphasize self-love, independence and strength for all women.According to George Stade, The Color Purple's "womanist" culture does not aim to diminish men's strength or deny the positive aspects of co-gender lifestyles and society. Rather than advocating for gender equality, the novel presents women's virtues and men's vices through the struggles faced by a group of women, including Celie. These women resist gender-based prejudices enforced by men while striving for autonomy and virtue. Despite her longing for more than just domestic life, Celie is caught between her dreams and reality with doubts about fighting for her beliefs or settling for discontentment. As a Black woman in the early 1900s, she must confront several societal biases against both Black people and women. Nevertheless, Celie becomes an independent business owner at the end of the story after surpassing societal expectations.

Alice Walker did not directly experience gender or racial discrimination from the previous century; however, she learned significant lessons during her upbringing that reflect in her writing. Her parents taught her to pursue dreams relentlessly and never lose hope. In The Color Purple, Celie aspires to possess qualities like self-respect, pride, and success - all goals consistent with Walker's own aspirations instilled in her by her parents who encouraged carving one's

path in life.In the portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple, Walker uses her own dreams as inspiration. Steinem commends the novel's depiction of characters grappling with ethical themes in their lives. Initially, Celie keeps her fears and desires confined to prayer and relies on religion and secrecy to improve her situation. However, after facing more challenges and losing confidence, she becomes disillusioned with prayer. In a debate with Shug, Celie expresses doubts about God's response to prayer. Ultimately, she realizes that hoping alone won't improve her life; action is necessary. By starting her own pants-making business, Celie takes control of her life and becomes a stronger, independent woman.

Throughout the book, Walker explores complicated family relationships among the characters who face familial deceit, childhood lies, parental dishonesty and hate while remaining obedient to their elders. Despite these difficulties breaking love and trust within families at times throughout the story, characters are forced to reflect on their roots and accept their God-given lives.In a 1970 interview with Library Journal, Walker emphasized the significance of familial ties and devotion to one's family, which is evident in the intimate relationships between characters. Despite Celie's struggle to escape from her abusers without hurting those left behind, her bond with Nettie remains an unwavering connection throughout the story. Through dream-inspired writing and prayer, Nettie promises to continue composing letters even if they go unread by God - serving as a symbol of guidance for both sisters. Referring to Walker (130), not communicating through writing or prayer can lead to feelings of isolation and mental agony. Despite being separated by an ocean, Nettie and Celie maintain their indomitable sisterhood through written

correspondence and prayers directed towards God.