The Color Purple Alice Walker

Major Characters Celie Mr. _______ (Albert) Shug Avery Nettie

Celie Protagonist and narrator Poor, uneducated, timid, powerless Abused by Mr. _____ Looks up to and in love with Shug Avery Wants to see Nettie again Grows empowered and independent by story’s end

Nettie Sister of Celie Lives in Africa as missionary Intellectual, kind, confident, open-minded Cares for Celie’s children, Adam and Olivia Wants to see Celie again

Mr. _____ Legally married to Celie In love with Shug Avery Abusive, cruel, heartless Hides Nettie’s letters for Celie Reevaluates own life and becomes peaceful, understanding, loving towards all, especially Celie

Shug Avery Professional performer Bad reputation for behavior and promiscuity At heart compassionate, independent, but unpredictable Used to be in love with Mr. _____ Mother, sister, lover to Celie Helps Celie become independent and empowered

Point of View Epistolary form (series of letters) Celie’s letters ▫First person P.O.V. ▫Changes from descriptions of actions, characters, surroundings to complex, insightful thinking ▫At first towards God, then to Nettie Nettie’s letters ▫Read through Celie’s eyes

Setting United StatesAfrica Rural southern farm Few outside visitors or events Village of the Olinka people Little contact with outside world Invaded upon by English manufacturers for rubber Before World War II No specific worldwide times, places, events - Focuses on character development - Themes more universal

Symbols Purple ▫Beauty and good things in the world Sewing ▫Power and independence of women ▫Unity between people of different backgrounds, gender, ethnicities God ▫Universal nature of faith

Themes Power of independence and defining oneself Significance of female relationships Sexism and the destruction of traditional gender roles Destructive effects of racial oppression Perpetual nature of sexism and racism Power and universal nature of religion