"The Color Purple"

The Color Purple by Alice Walker was a very powerful and moving piece of literature and I am so glad that we were required to read it. This novel has received nationwide recognition and won many awards. I wanted to respond to a review by The New York Times entitled “Some Letters Went to God.” Mel Watkins, the author, describes the major theme as the “estrangement and violence that mark the relationships between Miss Walker’s black men and women.” I agree with this and can give numerous examples throughout the novel. We are introduced to Celie very abruptly in her first letter to God where she is being raped by her step father. As the book progresses she recounts numerous occasions of beatings and sexual encounters with her stepfather and arranged husband (Mr.). Celie’s letters show a sign of acceptance and resignation at the beginning of the book that this is how life is going to be, and there is nothing she can do about it. As the book progresses and her letters become more defined, Celie gains the strength needed to break away from her oppressive life. It struck me about halfway through the novel that African Americans have been fighting for their freedom for as long as they have had a presence in America. Since this is the case, how could they treat some of their own (women especially) as slaves? This just goes to show that the cycle of hatred and supremacy has effects that last beyond the originator’s lifetime.

Watkins also commented on the authenticity of the novel’s folk voice. I enjoyed reading Celie’s letters and comparing them to Nettie’s. Nettie received an education which reflected in her writing skill. Even though Celie was never formally educated, she possessed an ability to ponder and question things that were well beyond Nettie’s realm. I was much more interested in Celie’s letters and of her lifetime struggle against male dominance.

The New York Times review can be found at the following website: http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/04/specials/walker-color.html