The Color Purple By: Alice Walker Beloved By: Toni Morrison AND

The Color Purple Themes: Expression of one’s thoughts and feelings Female relationships and conversation Racism and sexism Gender roles Time Period: Written in 1982 Based on the 1930’s when racism and gender discrimination was still a huge problem

Expression of one’s thoughts and feelings Walker expresses throughout the novel how crucial the power of narrative and voice is. He believes that it develops a sense of self and well being. He shows this through Celie, a girl who is abused, but does not speak up and take a stand. She isn’t seen as much of a person throughout the novel, but almost as an object. He uses this as a lesson of assertiveness. Female relationships and Conversations He stresses the importance of women telling stories, and passing down their past experiences to better the next generation. It’s basically his way of teaching older women to give advice and prepare younger women with different situations they’re going to face throughout their life.

Racism and sexism Walker is expressing his belief that racism and sexism can have an affect on a person’s future behaviors. He uses Harpo as an example of this through Sofia, who he beats out of spite of her saying he was less of a man. Gender roles Not all the characters have the stereotypical gender roles that males and females are assumed to have. This is shown through Harpo’s insecurities.

Beloved Themes: Community support Destruction of slavery The importance of language Mother-Daughter relationships Time Period: Set during the Reconstruction era ( ) Written in the 1987

Community Support Demonstrates how crucial community support is. He claims that it is crucial to society. Destruction of Slavery Expresses how much slavery has affected society today and the impact it has had on people. Almost tramautizing events.

The importance of language Shown through slaves learning language and making their own signs and signals. Mother-Daughter relationships Stresses the importance of a strong bond and relationship between a mother and a daughter.

Similarities Same concept (slavery) Female relationships The importance of language Racism and sexism