The Dominance Of Women In The Color Purple By Alice Walker

For many centuries, women have strived for gaining equality with men. Some were stripped of their natural rights at birth, which made it even more difficult for them to gain equality as it already is. Feminism is the belief in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. The characters in The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker hold the belief of sexual equality. The novel is about individuals who work to achieve equality among the opposite sex. Sofia and Shug Avery, are two individuals who were able to successfully hold power over men in a society where individuals are conformed to the idea of the dominance of men. They encounter several obstacles that put their power at risk, but was able to firmly stand their ground and grasp …show more content…
During the period when Shug was sick, she was always under the watch of Albert. He never leaves her room or hold her hand. Shug forbids him of holding her hands and openly criticizes Albert by telling him that he is not a man and that she needs a man. Albert does nothing even though he is being put down by a woman. Shug knows the power that she has over him and uses it to her advantage. She uses his affection for her as a holy grail that can grant her anything she desires. Shug, as a woman, holds more power than a man. She does not conform to society about women being housewives. She fights and refuses to be treated lowly like the already conformed wives. As Shug heals from her illness, Celie, who is the main character stops her and begs for her to stay. Celie tells Shug that her husband, Albert, beats her when she is not around. Shug replies, “I won’t leave, she say, until I know Albert won’t even think about beating you” (75). Knowing that she is capable of commanding Albert to listen to her, Shug promises Celie that she will stop him from being a bully. Shug uses Albert’s love for her to her advantage. She makes sure that Albert obeys every command she gives. She does not allow him to even have a second thought to what she says. Some may argue that Albert is intentionally letting Shug have the power, which can hint that she does not genuinely hold the power because he is able to frighten …show more content…
It is a human right to be equal to others no matter if they are male or female. Both sexes should receive the same opportunities and privileges given in life and feminism helps women accomplish this task of equality. Some may argue that this novel is not a feminist text because of the fact that there were individuals who followed their destiny of being inferior rather than fighting for sexual equality, but that would be incorrect. Characters throughout the book all strive to gain more power. Though some indirectly showed their motive, they all intended to achieve more control of the opposite sex. There were setbacks throughout their journey, but most eventually achieved their goal and gained equal rights and treatments. Feminism help individuals to find a place around the globe where they can call home. It has aided many in their journey in the past, present, and will definitely in the