Analytical Essay On The Color Purple

The Color Purple by Alice Walker depicts the life of an African American woman in rural Georgia and her journey through self-actualization. The narrator, Cecile, writes letters to God, then her sister, Nettie, about the tribulations she faces at home. Although she is not proficient in the English language and speaks in black dialect, she knows writing to God is her only form of expression. In the end, with the help of Shug Avery, Cecile overcomes adversity while discovering herself and gaining a sense of independence during the 1900s. First, facing various hardships makes her feel like an object, rather than a person. Others constantly push her around and treat her as though she is inferior. The people in the community view her as a poor
Shug is a strong, independent woman who is larger than life. Cecile forms this immediate attraction for Shug and her vibrant personality, which is the polar opposite of her own. For instance, Cecile writes, “My heart begin to beat like furry, and the first thing I do is try to change my dress” (44). Shug becomes a mentor, friend, and lover. Cecile confides in Shug all the problems she faces, and Shug then guides her through them. For example, after finding out about the domestic abuse, Shug's response is, "I won't leave, she say, until I know Albert won't even think about beating you"
Those in the novel characterize others as either a "nigger" or "colored person". In this period, black men and women in both the North and South faced gender and race challenges. It was mainly marked by lynching and white supremacist ideology (Hornsby 381). For instance, Ms. Millie, the white mayor's wife, is condescending and racist towards Sofia and her family. She states, "Have you ever seen a white person and a colored sitting side by side in a car, when one of 'em wasn't showing the other how to drive it or clean it?" (Walker 104). Ms. Millie holds these old worldviews about whites and