The Color Purple Research Paper
"We use the words "classics" for books that are treasured by those who have read and loved them; but they are treasured no less by those who have the luck to read them for the first time in the best conditions to enjoy them," stated Italo Calvino. The novel "The Color Purple" written by Alice Walker is suggested to be a classic book, for it's reflect on the social conflicts, its writing structure and the complexity of the plot. Celie being the protagonist and narrator is face with many struggles from being rape and abused to not fully knowing who she is and truly being happy. Celie is a female African American, poor, ugly, and uneducated, who is dominated by males.
A classic book usually is a book showing social conflicts and traditional
views of the time. The novels main conflicts were racism and sexism. The racism taken place was both white on black and black on black. Sofia known as Harpo's wife was very independent. She refused to submit to anyone that tries to dominate her, so she ends up slapping and denying the mayors wife request, for Sofia to become her maid. This resulted in Sofia being brutally beaten and forced to be the mayor's maid for 12 years. Later on Sofia has an encounter with Eleanor Jane, mayor's daughter, and her newborn child. She expects humble words but receives none from Sofia. Sofia stated that his child will grow up to be a racist. This is showing that the racism between black and white is a problem of the time and will take a lot to overcome this. doesn't want his son to marry Sofia, since she is of low class. This demonstrates the separation between the African American race, allowing to also be mistreated by others. Also the view of the women being the house wife and being beaten by the males was seen as stereotypical view of women. Women being beaten by there husbands were taught to be right in the eyes of Celie, since she was beaten by her stepfather and husband. Celie even suggest Harpo to beat his wife Sofia, to show her who's authority. But the women of this novel find away of breaking the cycle by talking back and forcing them to change. This novel shows the empowerment of the women and voice, teaching that the world can be changed.
The novels structure has a unique in presenting its context. The novel is writing in a letter format. The letters are writing to god or to and from Nettie or Celie. The letter structure created communication between sisters. It aided them to feel relieve and liberty from everything. It helped to open themselves and invite us to be a part of there life and experiences. This makes the reader feel as though part of the journey taking place.
The authors use of symbolism, help make this novels plot stand out as a classic. God is seen as her friend, listener and helper to relieve her from her pain. But yet is confused to what god really is, seeing him as a white male. Later on she changes her views to and "it" that loves all creations. This difference of belief shows the growth of person from the weak needing of someone care to the independent woman. Also the use of light and bright colors shows the new beginning and rebirths. The quilt of Celie and Sofia was of bright yellow fabric. Also when is abandoned by Celie he paints the house white.
All in all, a classic book is a book that catches the attention and made to reread. "The Purple Color" is a classic book that speaks about the reality and the struggles during that time, using symbolism, letter format and interesting plot.
A classic book usually is a book showing social conflicts and traditional
views of the time. The novels main conflicts were racism and sexism. The racism taken place was both white on black and black on black. Sofia known as Harpo's wife was very independent. She refused to submit to anyone that tries to dominate her, so she ends up slapping and denying the mayors wife request, for Sofia to become her maid. This resulted in Sofia being brutally beaten and forced to be the mayor's maid for 12 years. Later on Sofia has an encounter with Eleanor Jane, mayor's daughter, and her newborn child. She expects humble words but receives none from Sofia. Sofia stated that his child will grow up to be a racist. This is showing that the racism between black and white is a problem of the time and will take a lot to overcome this. doesn't want his son to marry Sofia, since she is of low class. This demonstrates the separation between the African American race, allowing to also be mistreated by others. Also the view of the women being the house wife and being beaten by the males was seen as stereotypical view of women. Women being beaten by there husbands were taught to be right in the eyes of Celie, since she was beaten by her stepfather and husband. Celie even suggest Harpo to beat his wife Sofia, to show her who's authority. But the women of this novel find away of breaking the cycle by talking back and forcing them to change. This novel shows the empowerment of the women and voice, teaching that the world can be changed.
The novels structure has a unique in presenting its context. The novel is writing in a letter format. The letters are writing to god or to and from Nettie or Celie. The letter structure created communication between sisters. It aided them to feel relieve and liberty from everything. It helped to open themselves and invite us to be a part of there life and experiences. This makes the reader feel as though part of the journey taking place.
The authors use of symbolism, help make this novels plot stand out as a classic. God is seen as her friend, listener and helper to relieve her from her pain. But yet is confused to what god really is, seeing him as a white male. Later on she changes her views to and "it" that loves all creations. This difference of belief shows the growth of person from the weak needing of someone care to the independent woman. Also the use of light and bright colors shows the new beginning and rebirths. The quilt of Celie and Sofia was of bright yellow fabric. Also when is abandoned by Celie he paints the house white.
All in all, a classic book is a book that catches the attention and made to reread. "The Purple Color" is a classic book that speaks about the reality and the struggles during that time, using symbolism, letter format and interesting plot.