The Color Purbple by Alice Walker - 870 Words

The Color Purple, by Alice Walker is a epistolary novel which portrays the struggles of African American women for independence, self esteem, and identity. The effect of racism and sexism on the black community, especially black women is expressed throughout the book. This novel is told through letters which chronologically goes through 30 years of Celie’s life in South America. The 91 letters written by both Celie and her sister Nettie awakens Celie where she gains a spiritual encouragement from Nettie, Sofia, and Shug. The Color Purple is the sisterhood of Celie, Nettie, Shug and Sofia which contributes a lot to Celie’s escape from slavery. Celie and Nettie have depended on their sisterhood for survival due to their fathers natural death and their mother’s weakness. Celie plays the role of Nettie’s parents especially the maternal role. Celie says â€Å"I’ll take care of you. With God help.† after her mother passes away and Mr. tries to rape Nettie (Walker. 3). When Nettie is around Celie, she feels a sense of comfort in the harsh world she lives in even though she hasn’t heard from her in years. Celie hopes that Nettie is still living and one day they will see one another again. Because Nettie and Celie have no contact after Mr. bans them from seeing one another God is the only thing she has to talk to. The friendship between Celie and Nettie helped Celie through the abuse from her husband. The letter writing between Celie and Nettie goes through a long period of absence