The Color Purple

After years of abuse, both physically and emotionally, Celie discovers herself searching for some self-respect. Fonso, Celie’s abusive father, forces her to marry Albert, also abusive by nature. Celie finds a degree of hope through Albert’s mistress, Shug. Shug serves as a tremendous force in Celie’s self-confidence, as the two eventually form a strong bond. Celie’s sister, Nettie, intelligent and caring who “means everything in the world” to Celie, also faces …

…conquer her passive behavior. As well as, her relationship with Nettie also instills a strong sense of courage and self-esteem within Celie. Celie refuses to allow the horrible deeds of the men in her life to control her towards the latter stages of the novel. The intimate relationships that Celie shares with both the energetic Shug and the loving Nettie provides Celie with hope that she will one day come out of her passive shell.