FIRST IMPRESSIONS-JASMINE SALAMAT

By: Jasmine Salamat


              Even though I have read a limited amount of pages of the novel “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, I have found a deep desire to continue. This book captivated my attention and now I am eager to read more. I enjoy the style of the book because of its uniqueness of being written in the format of a diary of a young girl, in the United States. She is going through a lot of issues, therefore is seeking for God’s assistance.

                There are many characters that have been revealed throughout the course of the first twenty pages of the novel. However, to me there are two specific characters that stand out. As mentioned before, the book is composed of private letters in which Celie has written to God. Celie is not just an ordinary 14 year old girl, as she faces many challenges. I would say that she is so strong yet vulnerable at the same time. Strength is demonstrated through Celie because she has dealt with the death of her mother and had to take her place in the family. Having to take care and nourish a family at such a young age is a great responsibility. To make matters worse, she is pregnant with her second child because her father sexually abuses her. This is where her vulnerability takes place because Celie never stopped her father from what he did and let him do whatever he desired. “He start to choke me, saying You better shut up and git used to it.”(Walker 1) reveals that Celie has let her father take advantage of her by not saying anything and listening to his commands.  I hope to see Celie’s character progress to being only strong and will stand up for her rights.

                Another character that I found important was Kate. She was the sister of Mr._____ whom Celie’s father made her marry. Kate was an interesting character to me because I feel that she did what Celie couldn’t do. She stands up for what she believes and states what she thinks is right.  Kate depicts pure strength and just. I greatly enjoyed the part where she encourages Celie to do the same. One way this is demonstrated was when she demanded Mr._____ to buy Celie new clothes. Celie did not think it was necessary, however, Kate says “It’s all right, Celie. You deserve more than this.” (Walker 21). Kate characterizes strength again by forcing Harpo, one of the oldest boys, to get water from the spring instead of Celie. Harpo explained how women work and he’s a man. Kate did not accept that and demanded him to get the water. From that moment on, Mr.____ had a private conversation with Kate which left her in tears. Kate’s visit ends there but leaves Celie saying “You got to fight them, Celie… I can’t do it for you. You got to fight them for yourself.” (Walker 21) Kate makes me feel elated and gives me hope for Celie, because she showcased how to take a stand for your rights.

There are an abundant amount of themes for this novel however; as I began to read more throughout the book, I thought the major themes would have to be courage and strength. I believe what Celie is going through right now in the novel is brutal, unfortunate, and gruesome way of living that no one should go through. I am hoping that eventually as the book progresses it shows Celie and her journey of gaining the confidence and strength in herself to live a better life which she deserves. Alice Walker wants to show what people truly experience in their lives and how it’s just not right.

The overall tone of the piece is the attitude of the writer. Alice Walker expresses herself through Celie, the protagonist and narrator of the novel. I believe Celie is unhappy with her life right now as she expresses all the faults that she has faced. Alice walker wants the readers to feel sympathetic and makes us feel sorry for all the unfortunate events that are happening to her. Therefore, there is a negative and depressing tone that is being set thus far.

I am very curious as to what’s going to happen in the end with Celie and all those around her. It’s intriguing to think of all the possible outcomes that might happen, and the character developments that may evolve. I have read so little, but excited to read what has yet to be discovered!