In this letter, Walker focuses on two key ideas: first, Celie tells God that she thinks that Fonso took his and Celie’s second child, a boy, and sold it to a childless couple. Note here that Celie is relieved that her baby has been sold. Again we are stunned; theoretically, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Letter 3Summary and Analysis Letter 2
In Celie’s first letter to God, she referred to herself as a girl, in the sense that she was chronologically a girl, and, moreover, she emphasized that she was a “good girl.” Other children who are Celie’s age may still be literally and chronologically “girls,” but we realize here that […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Letter 2Summary and Analysis Letter 1
Celie, a nearly illiterate black Georgia girl, writes a short note to God, confiding to him that she’s only fourteen, but already she is burdened with cooking, cleaning, and caring for a multitude of brothers and sisters because of her mother’s failing health. In addition, her father has raped her. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Letter 1Character List
Celie A young black Georgia girl who faces adulthood believing that she has been raped by her father and that he killed both of their babies. The novel examines her struggle to find love, self-esteem, and continuing courage despite harsh setbacks. Nettie Celie’s sister. Celie loves Nettie more than anyone […]
Read more Character ListAbout The Color Purple
The Color Purple is not an easy book to read because it is not written in the style of most novels. Walker does not tell us everything about the characters and the setting and why the characters behave as they do. This novel consists of a series of letters, none […]
Read more About The Color PurpleBook Summary
Alice Walker’s The Color Purple weaves an intricate mosaic of women joined by their love for each other, the men who abuse them, and the children they care for. In the first few letters, Celie tells God that she has been raped by her father and that she is pregnant […]
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