Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, depicts the struggles faced by African American women in the first half of the twentieth century. More specifically, The Color Purple follows the life of Celie, a black woman who initially is oppressed in every aspect of her life, but grows into an independent and confident woman. The novel details her struggles as a queer, African American woman living in Georgia. Through the course of the novel, Celie develops a multitude of relationships, all of which help her develop into an independent woman. Especially important in her metamorphosis, is the experiences that affect her sexuality and sexual identity. , Celie is continually drawn to female figures throughout the novel, and later bonds and learns
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During the early half of the twentieth century, both African American men and women were trapped in the sharecropping system of Georgia (Juneja 80). Black men, were oppressed by issues of race, while black women were oppressed by both race and gender. This extra oppression, set them even lower, which the men in this society took advantage of. Black women almost acted as if they were slaves towards the men in their life. They would not only care for the home and children, but “women work” (Walker 21). In the novel, men typically did not do much work, but were the stoic, dominant figures. On the other hand, women were supposed to be obedient and submissive towards their husbands. For example, this reversal can be seen through Harpo and Sofia. Harpo can be seen to possess many qualities that those in that society would consider to be feminine. In many instances in the novel, Harpo “takes the baby, gives it a kiss, [and] chuck it under the chin” (Walker 34). In these occasions, Harpo is displaying a more maternal side by caring for the child. Also, Harpo “complain bout all the plowing he have to do… he strong in body but weak in will” (Walker 27). Walker describes Harpo as “weak,” which is a characteristic typically reserved for woman. At one point in the novel, his face is even described as “begin[ing] to look like a woman face” …show more content…
Walker challenges the views of traditional roles within a society, whether it is through gender roles, or homosexual relationships. Walker also incorporates Celie’s past into the development of her sexuality. Also, by centering the main relationships of Celie, her and Albert and her and Shug, Walker presents to the reader new views on sexuality, relationships, and love. Through the course of the novel, Walker shows that love is not dependent upon sexuality or sexual identity, but upon accepting and loving individuals regardless of their
During the early half of the twentieth century, both African American men and women were trapped in the sharecropping system of Georgia (Juneja 80). Black men, were oppressed by issues of race, while black women were oppressed by both race and gender. This extra oppression, set them even lower, which the men in this society took advantage of. Black women almost acted as if they were slaves towards the men in their life. They would not only care for the home and children, but “women work” (Walker 21). In the novel, men typically did not do much work, but were the stoic, dominant figures. On the other hand, women were supposed to be obedient and submissive towards their husbands. For example, this reversal can be seen through Harpo and Sofia. Harpo can be seen to possess many qualities that those in that society would consider to be feminine. In many instances in the novel, Harpo “takes the baby, gives it a kiss, [and] chuck it under the chin” (Walker 34). In these occasions, Harpo is displaying a more maternal side by caring for the child. Also, Harpo “complain bout all the plowing he have to do… he strong in body but weak in will” (Walker 27). Walker describes Harpo as “weak,” which is a characteristic typically reserved for woman. At one point in the novel, his face is even described as “begin[ing] to look like a woman face” …show more content…
Walker challenges the views of traditional roles within a society, whether it is through gender roles, or homosexual relationships. Walker also incorporates Celie’s past into the development of her sexuality. Also, by centering the main relationships of Celie, her and Albert and her and Shug, Walker presents to the reader new views on sexuality, relationships, and love. Through the course of the novel, Walker shows that love is not dependent upon sexuality or sexual identity, but upon accepting and loving individuals regardless of their