Book Review: The Colour Purple

Many readers will presumably start the book with a hint of optimism, derived from the name of the novel being The Colour Purple. Purple, a colour known for its traditional association with royalty, and a prestigious Pulitzer Prize to its name- there must be something to look forward too.

Set in the rural lands of America in the 1900s, the novel recites and rectifies the life of Celie, a submissive and silenced African-American woman, bearing the brunt of a segregated society. Written by Alice Walker, the novel exposes the ultimate reality of abuse and a struggle to triumph over adversity from a feminine perspective – all the characters in the spotlight being women. Key questions are raised from the outset of the epistolary: whether the novel is entirely based on feminist principles, the strength of sisterhood, or most importantly, are men really as obnoxious as they are depicted to be?

From the start, the reader is revealed to one of the most shocking episodes of the novel; Celie being subjected to indecent assault by her own stepfather. Consequently, the dominant theme of male subjugation is presented early on, allowing the reader to foreshadow future occurrences. This particular event is one of prime significance- mainly through the use of controlled sentence structure. The short sentences provide a rhythm on account of the rape with some rather explicit descriptions attached. 

Further, when “Fonso” (the stepfather) has concluded, the words “You better shut up and git used to it” pour out of his mouth, an additional implication that oppression particularly will be witnessed further down the plot. However, Fonso isn’t the only ‘male subjugator’ in the novel. Oh no, there’s also “Mr” who becomes Celie’s husband. Rather than being a relationship filled with love and compassion; abuse, oppression are on agenda. Here’s a typical example, albeit a prominent one, “He beat me like he beat the children” and extra references with Celie stating that she “make myself wood”.  The only way Celie can find relief is by writing to God, with most of the letters in this epistolary starting off with “Dear God”.

After this shocking ordeal, the reader may question why the novel was named The Colour Purple. There is nothing majestic about oppression or abuse, or indeed women being objects for sexual gratification. Although there is a complete LACK of feminine identity as Celie clearly illustrates, there are some signs of women ‘rising’ slowly. Firstly, Sofia is introduced to the reader as a robust resilient woman, those qualities being a product of her past experience, herself stating that “a girl aint safe in a family of men”. Also, the collective ventures of quilt-making is a symbol of breaking down the barriers the women endured.

It is the entrance of Shug that is the pivotal moment in Celie’s path to integrity. It is through Shug that Celie finally takes a stance against male oppression and surprisingly, speaks up for herself. Some would argue that it is precisely this point where Celie triumphs over adversity. Relations between herself and Shug start to gain momentum, and before you know it, they leave for Tennessee to embark on a business venture. The Celie the reader had viewed at first was one seen as an unearthly possession, virtually a voiceless mammal. Towards the end, we see an emancipated Celie one who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. A self-actualised determined woman one may put it.

Though this may be positive, some have criticised the novel as portraying men as animals hunting for their prey. One such example is Tony Brown, a columnist expressing that the novel is “the most racist depiction of Black men since THE BIRTH OF A NATION.” However, one may counter argue and lament that the depiction of men in the novel is realistic and fully justified. Another cloud which surrounds the novel is whether it is appropriate to place it under the category ‘feminist’. As Walker once herself stated “Womanist is to feminist, as purple is to lavender”. Considering the core principles feminism entails, this novel may be considered womanist by the majority.

On the whole, The Colour Purple is a phenomenal novel which explores the very sensitive questions engraved in American society during the era of segregation. Definitely worth a Pulitzer Prize. The reader at the end may agree that Celie indeed achieves the colour purple, through the help of various other women, all combining their attributes to produce an autonomous Celie. It resembles the reader having been taken on a journey to witness the transformation of Celie’s character; from agony to autonomy. And in that process, I must say that I saw a bit of Sofia in myself.

RATING: 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely won't disappoint!

Disclaimer: This novel is appropriate to those aged 15+ due to explicit scenes and language.