Alice Walker's novel “The Color Purple” is a powerful and moving story about a young African American girl in the South during the early to mid-1900s. Set in rural Georgia, the story follows the narrator Celie as she undergoes a long journey of self-discovery, strength, and redemption.
The story starts with Celie writing letters to God, pouring out her heart and soul, as she is oppressed and abused by her father and then by her husband Albert. We learn that in her youth Celie was repeatedly raped by her father and had two children by him. She came to think of the children as “gifts” sent to her by her father, though they were taken away from her away upon his orders. She was then married off to someone her father chose.
The abuse Celie faces at the hands of her husband continues, as she is made to work day and night, without much to nourish her own spirit. Things begin to change for her when her husband brings home a mistress, Shug Avery. Shug Avery is a strong, liberated woman, who encourages Celie to assert her own will and stand up for herself in the face of oppression. Gradually, Celie can begin to see her worth, and her own beauty and power.
At the same time, Celie’s estranged sister Nettie returns after being separated from Celie's family in childhood. Nettie’s return brings such joy and comfort for Celie, who had desperately searched for her throughout her life. Nettie and Celie’s reuniting helps Celie to grow as a person, and in doing so they become a symbol of sisterly solidarity in the face of a violent and oppressive society.
As Celie finds her voice, she continues to empower other African American women around her. One example is Sofia, who is made to accept a life of servitude and submissiveness. Eventually, through Celie’s support, Sofia is able to escape her difficult circumstances and build a new life for herself and her family.
“The Color Purple” is a powerful and uplifting story about female solidarity and the capacity for love and courage to overcome adversities. It is a coming-of-age story where Celie learns to take back her life and self-worth in the face of years of abuse, neglect and oppression. In the end, Celie is a triumphant figure, showing that with courage and resilience, even in the most difficult of circumstances, we can triumph over our suffering and build a better life for ourselves. This novel serves as a reminder that oppressive circumstances can be overcome, and that with determination and strength, we can be our own heroes.
