Literature Analysis: The Color Purple

The Color Purple by Alice Walker
 
1.) Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read.
 In the novel, a black woman named Celie tells her life story consisting of: rape, abuse, submissiveness, weakness/strength, etc. Since she was a younger girl Celie had been sexually abused by her step-father whom she believed was her biological father. She gave birth to two children which were stolen by her Alphonso(step-father) and sold to two missionaries Corrine and Samuel. Celie was then given to marry to Mr._____ whom continues with the beatings such as his son attempted with his wife Sophia (but Sophia was physically stronger and didn't allow it). Mr.____ falls in  love with Shug as does Celie, who gets Shug to live with them as "protection" from Mr._____'s abuse. Shug is a free soul who enjoys the company of younger men so on numerous accounts breaks both of their hearts. Shug and Celie have a secret intimate relationship, and Shug is able to solve the mystery of Nettie's (Celie's sister) disappearance which eventually reunites them. In the end, Alphonso dies, Celie is reunited with her sister and children, and Shug finds a new partner.

2.) Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.
 The theme of the novel is standing up for what you believe in.

3.)Describe the author's tone.  Include three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

 The author's tone was serious and overpowering, such as the characters which were not willing to stand down at others' demands.

• When Sophia stands up for herself from the mayor and his wife she demonstrates her own self -power that she feels. After being asked by the mayor's wife if she will work as their maid, Sophia answers with a s defiant "Hell No," encouraging her overpowering ways against commands.
• In the first letter that Celie writes she sets a serious tone, explaining about how she was raped by her step-father. She describes everything that occurred to her, giving the reader a more serious mood/tone. 
• When Squeak tries to free Sophia from prison and is contrarily raped by one of the warden's  the tone is both serious and overpowering. The warden overpowers defenseless Squeak and rapes her setting a seriousness to the words from Celie.

4.) Describe five literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the theme and/or your sense of the tone.  Include three excerpts that will help your reader understand each one. 

• Diction: The words that were used by the characters set a time period and helped me, as the reader, understand the racial tension and submission. "Soon he stop. He say one night in bed, Well, us done help Nettie all we can. Now she got to go."
• Syntax: The way that Celie spoke described what kind of background she came from giving the literary work more understanding of the content. 
• Symbolism: The quilts that  the woman of the novel make, represent the power that women have when they are brought to other women as a union. When they are set together they are able to overcome many fears and obstacles.
• Imagery: In the novel, Celie experiences many hardships which she vividly describes in her letters. Such was the case of her rape, "First he put his thing up against my hip and sort of wiggle it around. Then he grab hold my titties. Then he push his thing inside my pussy."
• Indirect Characterization: Sophia's action were a great example of what a strong, determined woman she was. She defended herself and didn't let the men run her over with their actions and words.