The most memorable moment from my section (pages 148-216) has got to be when Celie stands up for herself against Mr.____. During the dinner of the celebration of Sophia’s release from being a slave for the mayor’s wife, Shug Avery announces that she, her husband, and Celie will be moving to Memphis. Mr. ____, Celie’s abusive husband, is astonished and immediately forbids Celie from going. Celie explains that Mr.____ is a “lowdown dog” and that she wants to start a new life, so leaving him is just part of the process. Celie confronts him, by mentioning the years of abuse, what he did to her sister, Nettie, and what will happen to him once Nettie returns from Africa. Mr.____ retaliates by saying “But what you got? You ugly. You skinny, You too scared to open your mouth to people…What you gon do?” (Walker 205) Celie curses Mr.____, promising that suffering and pain will happen in his future. When Celie is alone with Shug, she says “I’m pore, I’m black, I may be ugly and can’t cook, a voice say to erything listening. But I’m here” (Walker 207)
This is the most memorable moment in this section in my opinion because it is a very significant event that affects the future of Celie and Shug, two very important characters in the novel. As Shug moves to Memphis to pursue her singing career, Celie attempts to leave her past behind her to find other things in life besides working for Mr.____.
Celie displays confidence and an assertive behaviour, which is very much unlike her regular, or old self, which is what made this moment stand out. Throughout most of the section she is very quiet and unable to speak for herself. Even those who are close to Celie are surprised by her sudden change in character “All round the table folkses mouths be dropping open.”(Walker 200) Her change in attitude is due to the influence of Shug Avery. This whole event reveals how much of an impact Shug has on Celie. It demonstrates how Shug started to and continues to develop Celie into a more confident and self-assured character, not only in this section, but throughout the entire novel. Celie’s “new” character is clearly evident when she says “I’m pore, I’m black, I may be ugly and can’t cook, a voice say to erything listening. But I’m here.” (Walker 207) She acknowledges her weaknesses, but does not let them affect her, while maintaining a positive attitude.
This incident does not only portray the character personalities of Celie and Shug, but also those of Mr.____. It was evident that Mr.____ did not want Celie to leave, he says “Over my dead body” multiple times after Shug said that they were leaving, which demonstrates his strong disagreement with their ideas. We also get to see a side of him that we are not accustomed to. When Celie confronts him, he responds with “Butbutbutbutbut.”(Walker 200) This signifies that Mr.____ might actually be worried of losing Celie. Celie’s absence will definitely affect Mr.____, as there will not be anyone to do his hard labour chores, cooking, and cleaning.
This moment is also important because it creates suspense as the readers await Celie’s future in Memphis, the readers wonder if Celie can really be successful, despite her downfalls, like being an being African-American and a female at that time period. This event in the novel makes readers wonder if this event is actually turning point for the better or for the worse (for Celie). Celie may find work and happiness in Memphis, or she may be miserable, unproductive, and living off of Shug’s success.
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