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.
