“I’m pore, I’m black, I may be ugly…but I’m here.”
Trigger Warning: “The Color Purple” does have graphic and upsetting descriptions of physical, sexual and emotional abuse inflicted upon different characters which can be unsettling to read. Although these add to the honesty of the story, we would like any potential reader to know this fact, despite spoilers, so you are not distressed by it.
To feel insignificant is nothing new in this ever-growing and fast-paced world. When billions of people reside on this planet, it is laughable to imagine that everyone can and will be seen, acknowledged. It’s an unspoken universal truth. Of course, there are the select few who do rise up and are known globally for both, good and bad. But the majority of the world languishes in conspicuous insignificance which does not seem to bother them. Why? Because we all believe we’re important to someone, be it family, friend or foe. But what about those who do not have such a respite? Don’t they also deserve to be acknowledged? Who truly sees them?
Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” is a striking story for/by all those who have been rendered invisible by society. It lends a voice to the mute, a ear to the quiet and it repeats what they all have to say, ‘no more…I’m here’. Banned for almost thirty years, it makes us wonder why there was an attempt to snuff out the previously silent voices. What did Celie, Nettie, Shug and Mr— have to say, that was so dangerous and provocative that they had to be suppressed? Society was afraid of bringing the truth to light, what was it hiding?
This epistolary novel is not a typical novel that talks about racism from the perspective of a black protagonist. It is the journey of Celie, as she trudges through life on a path of self-discovery, aided by other black women who show her what it is to not just exist, but live and thrive. “The Color Purple”, much like life itself, is not easy to get through. It is raw, unapologetic and heart wrenching. Yet, Walker portrays the emotions of the characters with such fragility, it almost seems paradoxical when compared to the harshness of their experiences. You have to read the novel to truly grasp its depth, and even then most of it will be left undiscovered.
Being the protagonist of the novel, Celie captures the attention of the reader right from the get go. Her life hasn’t been an easy one, some might even argue that she has had it harder than most. Yet her story is one that lights a flame of hope and inspiration, of a better future to come. Self awareness and redemption drive the novel forward to its ultimate goal of contentment for all. Many of the characters showcase tremendous development which is not just dynamic, but in a very nuanced way, human. This novel is an embodiment of Nietzsche’s statement, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger.”
Walker has written this novel has a retort to the age-old issues of misogyny, patriarchy and prejudice that permeates through every social level, right to the bottom. She reflects how a society otherwise divided, unites together irrespective of colour, class or religion, to exploit women and ensure that they never reach beyond what is permissible. The fact that it is in unisex trousers that Celie finds her financial independence is a feminist response to the male ego, that women can wear pants and take up space in a society that caters to men first and foremost.
We chose to mark Pride month by reading “The Color Purple” because we feel that it is imperative, particularly in this day and age to not just acknowledge, but celebrate and empower people who have historically been erased from everyone’s worldview. In reading “The Color Purple”, we pay tribute to the excellence of black artists, whether in literature, art, music or any other field of creativity. In reading this book, we wanted to celebrate Pride Month with the message of how powerful it is to find love and light even when both seem unattainable. Walker proves her genius as an artist by weaving together words that reflect an exploration into raw humanity. This review in no way does justice to what she has created but we hope it compels you to read this book.
תגובות