Themes: Point of View
The Color Purple is mainly told from Celie's perspective, though some letters are written by her sister, Nettie, addressed to Celie. The story unfolds over thirty years, tracing Celie's evolution from a young girl into a self-reliant woman. By having Celie express herself in Black folk English, Walker immerses the reader in the genuine experiences and rhythms of her characters' lives. Celie's dialect also highlights her lack of formal schooling. In contrast, Nettie, who has received formal education, writes her letters in standard English. These letters are filled with insights, offering Celie knowledge beyond her local surroundings.
Expert Q&A
What narrative strategies does Walker use in The Color Purple?
Alice Walker employs a first-person confessional and epistolary format using black English dialect to explore "womanist" themes. The narrative echoes slave narratives and fairy tales, transitioning Celie from a victim to an empowered matriarch. Walker uses Christian and domestic imagery, alongside African anti-colonial themes, to depict Celie's rebellion against patriarchy. The narrative evolves from tragedy to comedy, culminating in Celie's personal and financial independence, reflecting a "fairy tale" transformation.
Why does Celie address her letters to God in The Color Purple?
In The Color Purple, Celie writes her letters to God because Alphonso, her stepfather, has begun to rape her. Alphonso tells Celie, "You better not never tell nobody but God," and so this is to whom she addresses her letters because she is afraid to tell anyone else what is going on.
What questions does Celie ask God in The Color Purple?
In The Color Purple, Celie initially writes letters to God, asking for guidance and understanding about her traumatic experiences, including incest and rape by her father. She questions God about her situation, asking for signs and explanations. Over time, frustrated by the lack of response and feeling abandoned, Celie questions God's relevance in her life, remarking that God seems as forgetful and unreliable as the men she knows.
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