The Colour Purple Book Summary

A Brief Overview:

• Alice Walker’s The Color Purple redefines notions of female selfhood, family, God, sexuality and race-relationships. Set in the early 20th century, Walker takes us on the journey of Celie – the protagonist, through her letters, as she deals with oppression, and abuse and re-discovers herself in an empowering way.

Early Life of Celie

In the initial letters, the story begins with Celie as a young fourteen-year-old Black girl. She writes to God that she has been raped by a man she considers to be her father. His name is Alfonso, but she calls him Pa. She further divulges in the letter that it is for the second time she is pregnant with his child.

Celie's mother is on her deathbed and curses Celie before passing away. Left all alone to face her oppressive father, Celie turns all her attention to guard her sister, named Nettie, whom she loves very dearly. 

Soon after, Celie was married off forcefully to Albert, an abusive widower, referred to as Mr. –. Pa cracked a deal with Mr. – and he marries Celie to act as a caretaker of his four children. As a result, Celie lands in a marriage without love, care and respect.

Relationships of Celie

Celie suffers throughout the novel. She faces the hardships of being an African-American woman all alone when her beloved sister, Nettie is sent away. 

Meanwhile, Mr. – also has a woman in his life called Shug Avery. When she fell sick Mr. – brought her home to take care of her because no one in town wants her. While taking care of her, Celie develops a deep friendship with her and accepts the love between the two women.

Celie in the course of the novel also formed an enduring sisterhood with Sofia. Although Celie–Sofia did not have a great start, as Celie wanted to see Sofia in pain just like she was once, Sofia’s confrontation made Celie realise the bitterness she holds within her and soon they develop a strong and useful bond.

Re-discover and Empowerment

As the story progresses, Celie transforms into an independent woman. She did not break, no matter what life throws at her. She re-discovers every aspect of hers. Be it social status or relationship status. She starts to read, write and form a business for financial independence. And further confronts her past, stands up against the wrongdoers and embraces her own sexual desires. 

In the meantime, Nettie has gone to Africa with the missionary couple Samuel and Corrine. She writes countless letters to Celie and shares her life in Africa. However, all these letters are hidden away by Mr. – as an act of vengeance. 

Through a strange twist of events, Celie discovers Nettie's letters. She catches up on her sister's life. Her letters to God are now replaced by her letters to her sister – Nettie. Nettie's letters make her stronger and more confident as well as self-assured.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Many years down the line, Nettie and Celie reconcile. The reconciliation does not end here. Nettie returns with the two children and Celie discovers that her two children whom she thought were dead are alive and was living with the missionary couple for whom Nettie worked. This brings her a sense of relief.

Post confrontation, she forgives her father and Mr. – to move on with her life. She continues to build a community around her and discover herself in an empowering way. Her triumph over oppression, love, sisterhood and resilience becomes quite evident as the novel comes to an end.