I) The black African-American society in contrast to the white American society:
Throughout the novel we learn that the African-American people are treated inferior to the American people. They don’t have rights and they are less accepted in the society.
This quote will amplify this theme:
“We had to ride in the sit-down section of the train, but Celie, there are beds on trains! And a restaurant! And toilets! The beds come down out of the walls, over the tops of the seats, and are called berths. Only white people can ride in the beds and use the restaurant. And they have different toilets from colored”
There are a lot of examples throughout this book about men having a higher position in the African-American society. It’s not uncommon that women get beaten by the male members of their family or their partner. Also women are getting stereotyped as a person that should take care of the kids and the household. They have to be hard workers and listen to their husband and most important, obey them.
These quotes are examples of a situation where the women are treated unequal:
- “Harpo ast his daddy why he beat me. Mr.____ say, Cause she my wife. Plus, she stubborn.”
- “I tell her she can’t be all the time going to visit her sister. Us married now, I tell her. Your place is here with the children.” […] “You ever hit her? Mr.____ ast. Harpo look down at his hand. Naw suh, he say low embarrass. Well how you spect to make her mind? Wives is like children. You have to let ‘em know who got the upper hand. Nothing can do that better than a good sound of beating.”
Religion and believing in God is an important theme in the book. The main character, Celie, keeps faith in God and believes that he is there for her and he will listen to her stories. The book is based on letters. Most letters are written by Celie to God. Those letters start with: “Dear God”. Religion was very important and offered support during the hard times people had to go through.
IV) The power of strong female relationships:
Throughout The Color Purple you will be introduced to multiple female relationships with a huge importance. Walker portrays the female friendships as a way for women to summon the courage to tell stories and find strength in each other. In some relationships they even succeed in resisting oppression and dominance and obtain more freedom. The female relationships represent hope.