Pooja Agarwal

                                                                                       1313240

                                                                                       II Pseng

The Development and struggle for identity seen in the female characters of “ The Colour Purple”

by Alice Walker.

“The Colour Purple”, through its protagonist Celie’s letters to God addresses the issues of the severe oppression and abuse of women in an african-american community. Through the course of her novel, Walker depicts various women characters, each of whom are either struggling to find their identity or maintaining their self-images against ruthless patriarchy and racism. Walker develops the identities of her women characters in extremely contrasting ways as is seen in her portrayal of Shug Avery and Sophia as opposed to Celie and Mary Agnes. We see how these women attempt to construct their self-concept despite the physical and emotional abuse they face- while Celie struggles against her silence to create her own identity,  Shug and Sophia already seem to have strong self-identities which they attempt to hold onto despite the intolerant society.

                

Celie’s journey of self-discovery remains the central theme of the novel as she goes from a scared,abused,helpless child to a confident,happy and independent woman at the end of the novel. Throughout her letters we see how she begins to develop emotionally and mentally as she sees first Sophia and later Shug standing up against the men in their lives. Her female relationships with Shug, Sophia and Nettie play a major influencing factor in her development of her own identity. As a young girl, raped and abused by her supposed father and later by her husband, she remains passive against all abuse and seems to choose silence as a way to cope with her life. Thus, her only form of self-expression where she has a voice is when she writes her letters to God. She also has a very low self-esteem, constantly being called ugly, stupid-not fit to study in school and she begins to view herself as weak and defenseless. Later when she sees Sophia stand up to Harpo, she confesses that she is jealous of Sophia’s bold and strong personality.Celie is struck by the vivaciousness and unflinching strength Sofia displays as she talks back to Harpo and Mr. ______, as defiance is foreign to her own relationships with the two men. This becomes important as it is the first time Celie has seen the possibility of women defending themselves and expresses her wish to be able to do so herself. Sophia thus presents a contrasting character to Celie as she is extremely confident in her strength and ability to defend herself. However, Sophia’s bold character seems to be a problem later as the mayor's family and the society criticize her for her domineering personality. She is made to be submissive and obedient first by Harpo and then by the mayor’s family, though she constantly struggles against it.

 Later, Celie begins to view Shug Avery as  a role model and develops a deep attachment to this beautiful and empowered woman. Walker represents Shug Avery as a woman who has formed her own unique identity freeing herself from societal expectations and conventions.

Unlike any other character in the novel, Shug seems to have a strong sense of self-concept from the very beginning- this is clearly seen when she explains to Celie her views on God and life by claiming that by doing what she enjoys she pleases God and can thus live her life in contentment despite the constant judgment and criticism she bears in society. She refuses to apologize for living her life according to her own terms and not bending to the will of any man- black or white. This strong sense of identity and self-confidence is what seems to draw Celie towards her and Shug consciously begins to help Celie find her own voice and independance.

From encouraging her sexual awakening and making her feel loved and needed to constantly demanding her to defend herself and rise above her situation, Shug becomes the primary catalyst for Celie’s self-discovery. Gradually Celie begins to develop a sense of self-esteem and confidence. Celie’s sense of self is further fortified when she discovers  Nettie’s long-lost letters,  with Shug’s help, by informing her of her personal history and of the fate of her children. Later as she learns the truth about her “Pa” and she goes to visit Alphonso, again shows an important milestone in her life as she begins to reconcile with her past and her self-image becomes stronger. Her most striking act of defiance that truly shows her growing independence is when she finally confronts  Mr. ______ for the years of abuse and heartache he has given her. She boldly asks him to get his life in order and leaves him with Shug. Towards the end of the novel she begins a business stitching pants and becomes truly independent and self-confident.  

Nettie too shows an important aspect of a woman’s identity as through her the author seems to suggest that education can have a massive impact in women’s empowerment. Nettie comes across as a witty and sharp character and a visionary of sorts for the cause of women and african-americans.

Thus, we see the contrasting female identities that Walker creates in her novel. While Celie seems to have finally found her identity by the end when she is reunited with her family and has a business of her own, Nettie though disillusioned in her ideas of change still holds onto her pride over her knowledge. Shug is the only character who seems to have the same strong identity that she did in the beginning unlike Sophia who seems to finally be beaten down by the circumstances of her life.

References:

The colour Purple by Alice Walker

Sparknotes

Celie’s search for identity by Charles L. Proudfit. source: Jstor.org.