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.
No comments:
Post a Comment