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.