Symbolism in The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Through the use of symbolism, Walker creates a rich and layered narrative that delves into themes of identity, oppression, empowerment, and spirituality. This essay will examine the significance of the color purple as a symbol in the novel and how it is used to convey the experiences and emotions of the characters. By analyzing the various instances of the color purple throughout the text, we can gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact it has on the lives of the characters and the broader themes of the novel.

Topic Sentence: The color purple is a recurring symbol in the novel, representing both the pain and resilience of the female characters.

Supporting Evidence: In the opening pages of the novel, Celie, the protagonist, describes how she has been told that "she have a heart bright as a purple flower" (Walker 1). This initial mention of the color purple sets the tone for the rest of the novel, as it establishes a connection between the color and Celie's inner strength and beauty. Additionally, purple is traditionally associated with royalty, and by associating Celie with this color, Walker highlights her inherent worth and dignity, despite the abuse she endures.

Analysis: The color purple serves as a symbol of hope and resilience throughout the novel. Despite the hardships she faces, Celie manages to find strength within herself, just as a purple flower blooms in the face of adversity. The color purple also represents the beauty and uniqueness of African American culture, which is often marginalized and overlooked. By using purple as a symbol, Walker emphasizes the importance of celebrating and embracing one's heritage, even in the face of oppression.

Topic Sentence: The color purple is also used to symbolize the transformative power of love and friendship.

Supporting Evidence: When Shug Avery, a blues singer and Celie's love interest, shows Celie a field of purple flowers, she tells her, "I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it" (Walker 48). This quote underscores the idea that the color purple represents the beauty and joy that can be found in life, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Analysis: Through the symbol of the color purple, Walker explores the healing and transformative power of love and friendship. Shug's words suggest that by appreciating the small joys and beauty in life, one can find solace and strength. This message is particularly significant for Celie, who has endured years of abuse and neglect. Through her relationship with Shug and her growing sense of self-worth, Celie learns to appreciate the beauty around her and find happiness in the simplest of things, represented by the color purple.

Topic Sentence: The color purple also symbolizes the spiritual and mystical aspects of life.

Supporting Evidence: Throughout the novel, the character of Sofia is associated with the color purple. When she is arrested and imprisoned, she wears a purple dress, which symbolizes her defiance and refusal to be broken by the oppressive system.

Analysis: The color purple, in this context, represents the spiritual and mystical aspects of life that exist beyond the physical realm. By associating Sofia with the color purple, Walker suggests that she possesses a deep inner strength and connection to something greater than herself. This symbol serves as a reminder that spirituality can provide solace and guidance in times of hardship and adversity.

In The Color Purple, Alice Walker uses the symbol of the color purple to convey the experiences and emotions of the female characters. The color purple represents both the pain and resilience of the characters, the transformative power of love and friendship, and the spiritual and mystical aspects of life. Through the careful use of symbolism, Walker creates a narrative that explores important themes of identity, oppression, empowerment, and spirituality. By examining the various instances of the color purple throughout the text, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact it has on the lives of the characters and the broader messages of the novel. The Color Purple serves as a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of African American women, and the color purple acts as a visual reminder of their beauty, worth, and ability to overcome adversity.

Bibliography:
Walker, Alice. The Color Purple. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1982.