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The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

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In The Color Purple, why does Shug give Celie a back room?

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Shug gives Celie a back room because it suits her preference for morning sunlight, aligning with Celie's habit of rising early. This arrangement also maintains their close relationship, as Shug's room is nearby. Beyond comfort, the room provides Celie a personal space to grow her independence after leaving her abusive husband, Albert, and to start her pants-making business. This environment, along with Shug's affection, boosts Celie's confidence and autonomy.

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After Celie leaves her abusive husband, Albert, and goes to live in Memphis with Shug, Shug gives her a large bedroom in the back of the house with a view that looks out over the backyard and a creek. Shug says that she gives Celie this room because Celie is "use[d] to morning sun." Based on Shug's statement, then, it is likely that Celie's bedroom windows face east, the direction from which the sun comes up, and so her room gets a lot of sun first thing in the morning. Shug's room is right across the hall from Celie's new room, but it is in the shade because Shug likes to sleep late. The windows in Shug's room likely face west, then. Shug gives Celie a room that she thinks will be most comfortable for her: Celie gets up early and starts the day while it is young, and the...

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light in her room will allow for this. Further, it keeps Celie right across the hall from Shug, and they've grown used to a certain closeness and intimacy that this arrangement will facilitate.

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Celie has left Mr. Albert because she discovers he has been keeping Nettie's letters from her. Even though Mr. has always been a terrible husband to her, this act of cruelty is the last straw because it deprived her of a relationship with her sister. Celie goes with Shug Avery to Memphis. Celie is still in love with Shug, but Shug is more worldly and cannot commit to one person. She gives Celie a room, so Celie has a place of her own and can work on starting her own business, which she does by making pants. Celie becomes more confident as her business grows and through Shug's affection. She is devastated when Shug explains she has fallen for a younger man in her band, though she predicts it will be a short-term affair.

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