Published 1982 / Length 244 pages
‘I’m poor, I’m black, I may be ugly … but I’m here.’
The Color Purple follows the life of Celie, a young African-American woman living in Georgia in the 1900s, and her battle to endure and ultimately prevail against three oppressive forces: racism, sexism and poverty. The novel opens by launching the reader into an onslaught of traumatic and violent events that see a weak and submissive Celie marrying the abusive widower Mr —, or Albert. Celie’s emotional, sexual and spiritual development is nurtured by the large community of women which clusters around her – including her husband’s mistress, Shug Avery, a free-spirited blues singer – until Celie has grown into a strong, independent woman. The novel’s language and content is unflinching as it deals with incest, rape and exploitation. Yet Walker is concerned to balance her narrative with a message about the redemptive power of love that enables both abused and abuser to break out of their destructive cycle. She also communicates an essential need for dignity and inner strength – required in order that the characters may change and grow.
‘Some people say they find the book depressing, but I disagree. Celie’s quest to find love, creativity and spiritual peace is uplifting and universal. The violence is still shocking and upsetting, but I think the book has some humour, too.’ – BELLA, 28
• Walker says that for her, the book ‘remains a theological work examining the journey from the religious back to the spiritual’. What evidence can you find to support this? What does the colour purple symbolize?
• The Color Purple is an epistolary novel: the story is told through letters and diary entries. Why do you think Walker used this structure? What are its advantages and disadvantages?
• What do you think Walker is saying about identity? Consider the representation of colonial Africa and think also about the significance of names in the novel.
• Many readers are disturbed by Walker’s portrayal of black men. Would you agree that the black male characters are depicted as one-dimensional abusers? If so, why?
• The Color Purple won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize and is among the top-five reread books in America.
• Steven Spielberg directed a film adaptation of the novel in 1985; it starred Whoopi Goldberg as Celie.
• Walker lived in Mississippi during the civil-rights movement’s most active phase, and was a leading campaigner for black women’s rights. She is permanently blind in one eye, as is the character of Sofia.
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by MAYA ANGELOU (see here) – corresponding themes of racism, violence and sexuality. How are Marguerite’s struggles similar or different to Celie’s?
• Beloved by TONI MORRISON (see here) – another novel exploring the harrowing life of an African-American woman.
• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by FREDERICK DOUGLASS – a classic work in the slave narrative tradition. Consider whether oppression and emancipation mean the same thing for Frederick and Celie.