A Feminist Reading of Alice Walker’s the Co...

A Feminist Reading of Alice Walker’s the Color Purple

Author Name : Sindhuja. P. S, MS. Mrittika Maitra

ABSTRACT The present research seeks to analyse Alice Walker’s The Color Purple based on the portrayal of discrimination faced by its female characters. Alice Walker is known for her contribution to the field of Afro-American literature, which mainly tells stories about subjugation and discrimination faced by Black people. Being an Afro-American women herself, Walker’s works revolve around the community’s experiences of reality. Although Afro-American literature generally explores themes such as identity, social justice, freedom, and resilience, racial discrimination is the major theme that stands out. The Color Purple provides an intersectional study and the experiences of its female characters, who struggle with their identities both as Black people and women. It not only portrays the struggles of Black women who are put down as slaves, but also highlights Black female characters who defend themselves and fight for their respect. While Celie, a soft and submissive character, struggles to overcome her circumstance, the characters Nettie and Sofia protest for their rights. This research paper does a critical analysis of the text to examine how Afro-American women are oppressed, yet cement their identities as individuals and as Black women.