” I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it. People think pleasing God is all God cares about. But any fool living in the world can see it always trying to please us back.”― Alice Walker, The Color Purple
When I read this book in my teens, I was shaken by the pain and complexity of the novel. With explicit depiction of violence, abuse, incest and lesbianism, it was not an easy read for my young mind. Nonetheless, I did learn to accept ideas that were considered offensive or off-limits. Reading it again, I can see why this work of genius deserves the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Walker skilfully weaves an inspiringly painful story of strong women. The novel portrays the sufferings of Celie, an uneducated black girl who is repeatedly abused and then impregnated by her ‘father’. She gets separated from her children and family and has to continue struggling- stuck in an unbearable abusive marriage. She then meets her husband’s ex-mistress Shug, who changes Celie in ways she never imagined.
The novel celebrates womanhood unconventionally. It describes intricate relationships between women and their progress set in a poor Afro- American community. As readers, we first pity Celie, then understand her; witness her courage, then marvel. Celie does not fight the way we expect her to, yet triumphs all the bitterness and injustice. As the story unravels, we encounter other women who are so different from each other but keep fighting battles of their own in the same spirit of womanhood. In contrast to Celie, her sister Nettie is prettier, strong-willed and educated. She does not succumb to the societal norms of matrimony and evolves as a successful independent character. Celie and Nettie’s journeys are revealed through letters that they write. Even in their long separation, their love remains persistent.
Another important woman Shug- who first appears to be a negative character is unpredictably the most crucial part in Celie’s life. With her glamorous, outspoken, modern and independent nature defying male dominance, she helps Celie evolve. They become comforting companions and lovers. The portrayal of their love filled with support, friendliness, intimacy and sexual chemistry show how beautiful same-sex love can be. Do not skip it! Well, I did so when I read it the first time - determined to stay unconvinced, adhering to my ignorance; reckoned the second time it’s all worth a read.
As I said, the novel is not an easy read. It is so not because it is traumatic but because it dares to depict taboos, unsuccessful and loveless marriages, affairs and injustice in life. It moves you with hard-hitting questions about racism, religion, feminism, sexual identity and gender roles. The Color Purple is a book you will read with an aching heart, believing in love and perseverance.
-Akansha Tigga
Faculty in English