Have a question? eNotes editors are standing by to help you.
2 Answers | add yours
In "The Color Purple" Sophia is a strong willed and outspoken black woman. One day she goes to town with her children. While in town the mayor's wife inspects her child. She asks her if she would like to be her maid. Sofia intervenes telling the woman, "Hell no!" The mayor slaps her and Sofia hits him back. They decide to put her in her place. She is beaten so badly. Her face swells and is the color purple. Sofia is put in jail. After she is released she is assigned to live and care for the mayor's wife. By the time Sofia is released from her duties, she is older and her children have grown.
Sofia's youth has been lost because of her defiance of a racist statement that she chose to advocate against.
Teacher
High School - 12th Grade
Editor Emeritus, Debater, Expert, Educator, Dickens, The Bard
First of all, racism is downplayed in the novel. Sexism is much more prevalent. The exception is Sophia's run-in with the Mayor and his wife, Miss Millie.
Few of the characters in the...
(The entire answer is 231 words.)
This is an expert answer, written by an eNotes editor. To read the entire answer, please join eNotes.
Join for free to answer this question
Join a community of thousands of dedicated teachers and students.
Already a member? Sign in » JOIN eNOTES
