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The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

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Alice Walker has faced criticism for her depiction of negative male characters in The Color Purple. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this critique. Be specific in your argument by referencing passages that support your viewpoint.

Investigate the history of the epistolary novel and provide three other examples of this literary form. For each example, include the title, author, publication date, and a brief summary of the novel. Many epistolary novels are written from the perspective of a female protagonist. Are there any benefits or drawbacks to using this format when the main character is a woman?

Research the history of colonial rule in Africa, narrowing your focus to one European country and one African country that was colonized by it. Provide an overview of the African country's history before, during, and after European colonization.

Sexual violence is a prominent theme in The Color Purple. Write an essay based on current media reports about how sexual violence is portrayed to the public. Include statistical data on sexual violence, such as trends in the frequency of occurrences over the past 20 years. What are the root causes of sexual violence? Are there any proven methods for effectively combating sexual violence?

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