RESPONSE TO DISCUSSION QUESTION- KAWSALYA NANTHAKUMAR

I chose to respond to Jeffrey’s question:

Standing up for yourself and the power of voice is an influential theme in this novel. Give examples of this theme and describe how it functions throughout this section. Who is the character that represents this theme? Why?

            Standing up for yourself and the power of voice are two major themes in the novel The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Throughout the novel, I believe various characters represented these themes. Tashi, Nettie, and most definitely Celie are three motivational and determined women who stand up for themselves, and make themselves heard by the end of the novel.

            Tashi is an African girl who is from the village of Olinka. Due to the ongoing racial issues, Tashi had participated in African rituals to maintain the customs of her ancestors. She had gone through agonizing rituals such as, facial scarring and female circumcision. “She’d lost a considerable amount of weight, and seemed listless, dull-eyed and tired,” (Walker 242). She had made the decision to go through these traditions to separate herself from the dominating culture. The fact that Tashi would go through such routines, represents her passion and devotion for her culture.

            Nettie was the “lucky one”, so to speak, between the two sisters. Because she had escaped oppression while she lived in Georgia, she encountered and witnessed hardship of others around the world. By joining a Christian ministry team, she travels to different countries doing missionary work. But, before she left Georgia, Mr.____ attempted to rape her. However, Nettie being who she is stood up to him as she did not allow him to abuse her. I found Nettie’s actions remarkably courageous because what she did was not common for a woman to do in that time. In doing so, Nettie stood her ground and put Mr.____ in his place. Not only did Nettie stand up for herself, she advised Celie to battle against and run away from Mr.____. “You’ve got to fight and get away from Albert. He ain’t no good, (Walker 126). Nettie is a great example of a character that displays the two themes.

            Last but not the least, Celie. Being the protagonist of the novel, she had come upon multiple problems. Despite the fact that she may have not stood up for herself or made her voice heard in the situation at first, as the novel progressed, she gained confidence and conquered her issues in the end. A major conflict in Celie’s life was being in an abusive relationship with Mr.____. In the beginning she went along with the kind of treatment she was getting. She didn’t say or do anything about it; whether she was sexually abused by her father or bossed around by her husband, she kept silent. “I lay there thinking about Nettie while he on top of me, wonder if she safe. And then I think bout Shug Avery. I know what he doing to me he done to Shug Avery and maybe she like it. I put my arm around him” (Walker 12). However, near the end of the book, after Celie had left Mr.____, he had changed. Mr. ____ and Celie had a better relationship as they were talking just as friends, things were going smoothly. When Mr.____ had asked Celie to marry him again, Celie refused. She knew what the best was for her and stood her ground. Though this example was not as physical or harmful as Nettie’s, in my perspective, when Celie refused to marry him, I viewed it as her standing up for herself. She did not let him control her mind. She made her own decision as an independent woman.

            All in all, the themes standing up for yourself and power of voice are two very impactful and predominant themes in the novel. As mentioned, the three women described above are great models of the themes, as they encountered various issues, and conquered them in the end. Whether it was abuse, racism or discrimination, these women stood their ground and made their voice heard. “A saga filled with joy and pain, humor and bitterness, and an array of characters who live, breathe and illuminate the world” –Publishers Weekly. 

RESPONSE TO DISCUSSION QUESTION -- JASMINE SALAMAT

I decided to respond to Kawsalya's fifth question:

The importance of family and friends is well portrayed throughout the novel. Explan how this theme develops and transfors as the novel progresses.

         The importance of family and friends is well portrayed throughout the novel and clearly develops with great positivity as the novel progresses. It is distinct that all of the characters would not be who they are without the family and friends they were surrounded by, but I believe that the importance of family and friends to the protagonist Celie was the most important for these various reasons.

         To begin with, even though Celie’s mother was not in Celie’s life for long, her presence in Celie’s life would have changed it completely. Celie would have lived a completely different life if she had her mother there to take care of her but, because of her death; Celie was the one who had to take the role of a mother at such a young age.

         Nettie was Celie’s sister who was basically her rock. It was clear to everyone around Celie that Nettie was a very important person in Celie’s life. At one point in the novel Shug said to Celie, “Cause she the only one you ever love” (Walker 118) this shows the impact that Nettie had on Celie. Nettie was the only reason why Celie kept fighting to stay alive. Everything Celie did was for her sister’s safety. Their bond was so strong regardless of the great distance and absence they had from each other. I believe Nettie is the only reason Celie did not give up on herself and waited patiently until the day they got to be together again.

         Lastly, Shug Avery has made a huge impact on Celie. I believe without Shug Avery, Celie would not be who she is.  Shug Avery gave Celie the courage, confidence, and helped her look at her life in a different perspective. Celie was always the motherly figure towards everyone and took care of them, but with Shug, in many cases she looked after Celie. When Shug found out Mr.___ beat Celie, she said that she won’t leave her until he stops. Shug Avery was Celie’s first true friend who loved her and gave Celie hope.                                            

        This book reveals that it is significant to always have someone by your side. You definitely can’t do everything yourself and always having a helping hand, support, and a shoulder to cry on is well needed. Celie was blessed to have many people come into her difficult life and made her hardships easier to handle. This theme was developed and well portrayed because without her family and friends, especially Nettie and Shug, Celie would not be where she is and the person she is.

Response to Discussion Question - Sabeana Uthayakumaran

I chose to respond to Kawalya’s discussion question.

4 ) In your opinion, what do you think Alice Walker’s motive was for this novel? What message to do think she was trying to convey?

I personally believe that Alice walker was trying to convey multiple themes throughout the novel. One of the obvious and major motives Walker had decided to display was feminism, as she shows the protagonist Celie conquers this issue.

Walker throughout the novel demonstrates the inequality between men and women. Men hold the superiority over women drastically in Celie’s life. Celie dealt with sexist men in her life including her father and husband. Celie has been treated unfair all her life, as she is forced to take care of her husband’s children and other commands from Mr.____ and her father without question. Celie is also forced to accept Mr.____ sleeping with Shug Avery while Celie is still married to him. Mr.____ also had said, “Men s’pose to wear the pants”, indicating that women are inferior and are told to obey the men while the men order them what to do.

 Early in the novel, Shug Avery had an illness most likely due to a sexually transmitted disease. The community/society they live in refer to the illness as “a women disease,” although men also are capable of getting the illness as well. They had also judged her and commented about her different lifestyle. However, the men are allowed to do the same without being taunted. Mr.____ and Alphonso both abused Celie inappropriately and are not talked down about as Shug was, because they are men. Walker portrayed that men being the superior one in the relationship was common in the early 20^th century. It is clearly evident how powerful the discrimination was from when Celie is forced to be silent about rape because she believes that that is the only way she can be alive. Fortunately, the author showcased how you can fight through the male dominance just as Celie did when she broke away due to Shug Avery’s assistance. Although Walker had written this novel back in 1982, the context us still relevant to present time.

          

            By the end of the novel everything started to change for the better and discrimination was slowly starting to fade away from Celie’s life. The women stood by each other to fight for themselves and each other for the better. In this novel, Alice Walker showcases how equality is essential for everyone to live life full of happiness. Even though you could be facing hardships due to inequality, Walker demonstrated how if you stand up for yourself, there is always hope and life gets better. 

Response to Discussion Question- Jeffrey Pan

I responded to Jasmine's 1st question

1) As the novel progressed Shug Avery stood by Celie’s side many times. Name situations where Shug demonstrated that she truly cared for Celie. Do you think Celie would be where she is now without Shug Avery?

       There were many instances where Shug supported and gave Celie advice. For example,  when Celie could not find the place where her mother was buried, she was sorrowful and heartbroken, but Shug said “Us each other’s people now”, (183) giving Celie a sense of belonging. Another situation is Celie tells Shug that she gets beat by Mr.___ “For being me and not you” (75), Shug comforts Celie and tells her that she will not leave until she knows for sure that Mr.___ will not hurt her.
Celie would not be where she is now Shug. In fact, I believe she would be even more shy and submissive than she already was. Since Celie looked up to Shug and saw her as a role model, Shug was able to influence Celie to be more assertive and taught her how to stand up for herself. Shug was also able to help Celie explore her sexuality, as Celie had a traumatic experience with rape. Shug believes that Celie is still a virgin, giving Celie a new opinion about herself. Finally, Shug changed Celie’s thoughts about God. Celie originally thought of God as a white, fatherly figure, which she was somewhat confused about, but just ignored it. Shug helped Celie think of God as an “it” instead of a “he”. This empowers Celie, as she thanks God for bringing happiness upon her, in her last entry. I believe Shug was a great influence of Celie, and without Shug, Celie would not be the same person she is now.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -- JASMINE SALAMAT

1) As the novel progressed Shug Avery stood by Celie’s side many times. Name situations where Shug demonstrated that she truly cared for Celie. Do you think Celie would be where she is now without Shug Avery?

2) How would you have dealt with the situation of Mr.____ hiding all of Nettie’s letters? Do you think this situation was Celie’s opportunity to finally stand her ground and confront Mr.____ for how badly he’s treated her?

3) How do you think the story would have changed if Celie never discovered that Mr.____ hid all of Nettie’s letter?

4) Sofia is one of the few women in this book that came off as aggressive, violent, and stood her ground. Do you think Alice Walker did a good thing by making a character like Sofia to portray that not all women were vulnerable and can be strong like her?

5) In one point of the novel, Celie and Shug encountered a sexual moment. How did this change your preception of Celie and Shug?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS- KAWSALYA NANTHAKUMAR

1)      Mr.____ had asked Celie to marry him once again. However, Celie rejected and suggested that they stay friends. Why do you think Celie did that, and do you think it was the better choice for the both of them?

2)      Do you think Shug Avery was played a major role in the novel? If so, did she have a positive or negative influence on Celie? Why or why not?

3)      Once Tashi came back, Nettie noticed that she was hiding and was ashamed about the scars carved into her face during the facial scarification ceremony of female initiation. What could this ritual symbolize?

4)      In your opinion, what do you think Alice Walker’s motive was for this novel? What message do you think she was trying to convey?

5)      The importance of family and friends is well portrayed throughout the novel. Explain how this theme develops and transforms as the novel progresses. 

ANALYSIS OF SETTING BY KAWSALYA NANTHAKUMAR

The Color Purple by Alice Walker takes place in two significant settings. One being Africa, and the other being Georgia, United States. Celie writes her letters from Georgia, and Nettie writes hers from Africa. The time of when this novel was published was in 1982. Alice Walker depicts the lives of black women in the early 1900s. During this time, black women were going through an extremely rough time, where they were being abused and mistreated.

            Socio-economic and historical context is evident throughout the novel. In the earlier years, black women were faced against such brutal treatment. These women were challenged with poverty, sexism and racism. In the novel, Celie had constantly faced these issues. She was sexually mistreated by her step-father Alphonso, and abused by her husband Mr.____. Celie had been raped by her father several times, and the babies are taken away from her; killed or given away. “He took it. He took it while I was sleeping. Kilt it out there in the woods. Kill this one too, if he can.” (Walker 2). “He took my other little baby, a boy this time. But I don’t think he kilt it. I think he sold it to a man an his wife over Monticello” (Walker 3). The time in which the novel was taking place, reflects what happened in reality in the early twentieth century. Some black women did not attend school, as they were stay at home wives who looked after the family and house. Celie had never gone to school. Her sister Nettie would teach her how to read and write when she had the chance to. Celie was a stay at home wife after she had married Mr.____, and even when she lived with Alphonso. She kept the house neat, cleaned up after the kids, and did what pleased the men. In addition to this, poverty was common. “Take two dollars. Give her a quarter back. He look at me. You want something gal? I say, Naw Suh… I don’t have anything to offer” (Walker 14). Celie would never go to the store to buy anything for herself, as her husband would not buy anything for her either. She felt inferior to other women who had the luxury to buy their own things for themselves.

Cultural context is evident as Tashi’s story evolves. Tashi is an African girl who is from the village of Olinka, and is against the white culture. As Tashi becomes a woman, she goes through the African rituals of becoming a women in order to set apart her from the white culture. She endures facial scarring, which she was very much ashamed of; however, it was a part of her decision. And so in unity with Tashi, Adam her lover had also gone through the facial scarification as well, to show his respect to Tashi’s cultural traditions. Similar to the discrimination that black women faced in the past, Tashi felt the need to distinguish her from the colonial culture as she was pressured by them.

After reading the novel, each major women role, such as Celie, Nettie, and Tashi, reflected the struggles that black women encountered in the real world. Whether it is the poverty, sexism, racism, discrimination, or abuse, Alice Walker precisely matched the roles of the women in the novel to the real world. Using the appropriate use of the setting, Alice Walker truly captured and portrayed the life of black women the in early 1900s. 

Discussion Questions - Sabeana Uthayakumaran

The death of Celie’s mother had played an important role in the beginning of the novel. In what ways did the death affect Celie’s life and relationships?

The community had judged Shug quickly because of her illness. What would your reaction to Shug’s illness be? Would you agree with the community’s impression or Celie’s impression of Shug? Explain.

Celie was sexually abused by her father Alphonso, although was told to stay quiet. If Nettie had also been abused, do you believe Celie would have continued to be silent or fight back because of Nettie’s and Celie’s strong relationship?

Nettie and Shug were two important women in Celie’s life. How did they both influence her? Was Nettie replaced by Shug Avery in Celie’s life?

The novel was written in a first person narrative by Celie. Do you feel that Celie was a reliable or unreliable narrator? Explain. 

Contemporary Relevance by Sabeana Uthayakumaran

In the novel The Color Purple written by Alice Walker, the strength of relationships between females had made an astonishing difference in the protagonist’s life. The protagonist Celie has been going through a rough path all her life. She had no one to express how hurt she felt because of her fathers words, “better not never tell nobody but God.” As Celie continues to keep her thoughts hidden and concealed from others because she was taught that was wrong by several ignorant men in her life, she has grown to become weak. However, Celie then meets the beautiful Shug Avery, who had remarkably changed her life for the better. Shug Avery taught Celie to be strong, and fight to those who had hurt her all her life. Celie being the harmless person she is, had finally gained the power to fight for herself and actually be content. I believe that the relationship and bond between Celie and Shug Avery had given Celie fortitude. When females have a dominant relationship, nothing defeats them. They know that are undefeated, and when worst comes to worst, they have each other. This includes relationships can be because women are family, sexually intimate, mentor and pupil, or just best friends with each other. When Celie had become close with Shug she started to feel beautiful, as she was grown up being told the opposite. If a female is insecure about them and has a strong bond with another female, they learn that they don’t need anyone else because the other individual loves them no matter what flaw. This causes both females to feel that they can fight anyone who tries to bring them down, as long as they have each other. Mr.____ referred to Shug Avery’s father as a “whore” and the lead to Celie spitting in his drink as revenge. That demonstrated Celie being less fearful of the outcome Mr.____ would have done if he had found out, which she never done before. When females join forces, nothing can overcome them. Males should be aware.

Celie’s younger sister Nettie faces different obstacles while living in a new atmosphere, Africa. She is not physically with Celie, but because of their strong sibling relationship, she pushes through the challenges. She knows that whenever a tough situation comes across her, she can remember that her sister out there believes her and will be there no matter what. This connection between them both reflect on each others personality by making them stronger knowing that they have another person by them side. Nettie constantly advised Celie to fight back to their father who abused Celie drastically. She had shown Celie that she is actually cared about, and Nettie was the only reason why Celie never gave up on life. Sofia, a close friend of Celie’s, explains that she became a fighter because of the powerful relationship she had with her sisters. This displays how Alice Walker tried to portray the idea that female bonds can make you become a stronger and confident person. In the time period this book was taken place, females were used to being overpowered by males. Therefore, the connections Celie had with other females were important for Celie to help her overcome her tragic times.

Throughout this novel, Celie learnt to conquer her problems because of her strong relationships with her sister Nettie and partner Shug. Without these women in her life, the plot would have been significantly different. The bond between females is still something that continues to help gain strength for other females today. Women in our society gain confidence from each other and feel better and fight for themselves. The power of female relationships is unquestionable. 

Analysis of Style and Structure- Jeffrey Pan

Alice Walker uses many literary techniques that affect the construction of the story, and have an effect the reader’s overall perspective and opinion of the story. One method that Walker uses to present her thoughts and motives in the novel is through theme. An influential theme in The Color Purple is the standing up for yourself and the power of voice. This theme demonstrates that standing up for your thoughts, values and beliefs is important to a positive life and increased self-confidence. This theme is demonstrated when Celie becomes assertive and confronts Mr.____ for all the horrible things that he did to Celie and her sister. “It’s time to leave you and enter into the Creation. And your dead body just the welcome mat I need.”(199) This passage reveals how influential this theme can be, as it helps Celie reach self-fulfillment and changes Mr.____, making him reassess his life and change his attitude for the better. This theme helps the reader realize how crucial it is for individuals to be assertive.

Another literary technique Walker uses to convey mood and create atmosphere is her choice of words, or diction. When Celie is speaking, it is clear that her grammar, spelling and syntax is incorrect in many instances. The way she speaks is direct and blunt. This is gives the reader the idea and reminder that Celie is not very educated. It also conveys a sentimental mood, making the story appear believable and creates sympathy for her. “What with being shock, crying and blowing my nose, and trying to puzzle out words us don’t know…How I’m gon keep from killing him, I say.” (144) This demonstrates how confessional Celie is, and the readers come to understand that her writing and perspective is very sincere and real. Celie’s experiences and emotion-filled letters are contrasted by Nettie’s informative and calm letters. Nettie’s writing is different from Celie’s in many different ways. Nettie’s higher intelligence is demonstrated through her diction and grammar. She is more mild in terms of raw emotion when she writes. This reveals that even though Celie and Nettie are sisters, they are two very distinct characters. Nettie’s writing conveys a relaxed but optimistic mood, even when she speaks of all the negatives in her life. Her mood creates a positive atmosphere for the reader. Nettie writes “There is one big advantage we have...And that we and the Africans will be working for a common goal: the uplift of black people everywhere.”(137) This reveals Nettie’s positive attitude, as well as  a glimpse of her character. It offers the reader a fresh perspective from a different character. Walker uses the clear differences between the two characters enhance each character. The reader is able to see each character with more depth. For example, after reading one of Nettie’s letters, it is evident that Celie’s writing is emotional, with a lot of action and emotion. This is because there was a lack of this in Nettie’s letters.

Motifs are used by the author to help develop themes and the plot. A recurring motif is The Color Purple are colours. Walker uses colours at different points in the novel to reflect the attitudes and overall lives of the characters. For example, when Kate, Mr.____ takes Celie to buy a new dress, the only colours available are “brown, maroon or navy blue”(21) This is when Celie used to be taken advantage of by other people. These dull colours reflected her quiet and shy life. Later in the novel, when she becomes more assertive and self-confident we see different, more different and vibrant colours. “I been so busy thinking bout him I never truly notice nothing God make. Not a blade of corn (how it do that?) not the color purple (where it come from?).”(197) The color purple represents her new found happiness and confidence.

Walker uses symbols to represent concepts and greater ideas. One symbol that Walker uses, and is significant to the novel is the symbol of sewing. After Celie sewing, she became more successful and empowered. Celie says she  “I am so happy. I got love, I got work, I got money, friends and time.” (205) after she starts sewing pants and becoming more independent. The symbol of sewing represents the power women can get from enjoying work, or whatever they are doing. The symbols gives readers the idea that happiness translates into empowerment. Though this symbol is quite ironic, it proves to be effective in its clear message. This symbol further develops Celie’s character as she grows more and more confident. The readers can take this message and empower themselves!

Alice Walker utilizes literary techniques to convey messages and ideas to the reader as well as develop the plot. She uses techniques such as theme, symbolism, diction, and motifs to accomplish this. The use of these help the reader draw connections to the characters in the novel and also aids in the construction of the story.

Discussion Questions - Jeffrey Pan

1) Describe Celie’s relationship with Shug. What role does Shug play in the novel? How has she influenced Celie throughout the novel? Do you think this influence is beneficial or detrimental for Celie? Explain your opinion.

2) Many parts of this section consist of Netties letters to Celie. Her writing is significantly different for Celie’s, descibe these differences.Why do you think the author puts these letters in the novel?  

3) During the exchange between Celie and Mr.____, we see a different side of Celie. Describe how this confrontation and conflict between the two characters contributes to the plot. What do you think will happen between the two characters?

4) Standing up for yourself and the power of voice is an influential theme in this novel. Give examples of this theme and  describe how it functions throughout this section. Who is the character that represents this theme? Why?

5) After the exchange between Celie and Mr.____, Celie 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” (207) This quotation can be interpreted in different ways. Do you think Celie meant to say this positively or negatively? Support your opinion with evidence and/or examples.