Mostly black and white illustration of nine letters, one of them has been opened

The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

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Letters 37–41 Summary

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Squeak inquires from Celie about the reason for Harpo's recent gloominess, to which Celie reveals a family scandal that has left everyone in shock. Sofia, who had accompanied Buster and their children to town, has been arrested for assaulting the mayor. While in town, the mayor's wife, Miss Millie, showed admiration for Sofia's children and offered her a job as a maid, leading to the violent altercation.

When Sofia declined, the mayor hit her as a consequence of her perceived lack of respect. Mr.____ merely hints at the potential repercussions of someone striking Sofia, and Celie sees no need to elaborate further. Squeak finds it hard to believe, so Celie explains how Sofia was severely beaten and how Buster was unable to aid her because the police had pointed their guns at him.

Sofia has been given a prison sentence of twelve years and currently works in the prison laundry to pass the time. During a visit from her loved ones, she confesses that she copes by assuming the identity of Celie and following orders without question, attempting to make light of the situation. However, Celie observes that Sofia appears distressed. After dinner, Celie, Shug, Mr.____, Squeak, Buster, and Sofia's sisters gather together and reach a consensus that Sofia will struggle to endure prison life. They brainstorm a potential escape plan.

Squeak discloses that the warden is her relative after a few strategies are rejected. Upon learning this, a resolution is made that Squeak should approach her uncle and express her dissatisfaction with Sofia's treatment, which is not severe enough. To assist her in "persuading" the warden that Sofia would endure more hardship as the mayor's servant, Squeak is bathed and attired in some of Shug's garments.

Squeak comes back from visiting the warden in a ripped dress. When Harpo finds out the warden had sexual relations with her, she becomes enraged and threatens to set fire to the prison. Squeak manages to silence Harpo and breaks the news to everyone that her own uncle had sexually assaulted her. She also reveals her true identity to Harpo, calling herself Mary Agnes.

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Letters 32–36 Summary

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Letters 42–44 Summary