An Alternative for You...

Fellow bloggers,
As stated earlier, there are some sensitive issues and instances of strong language used in The Color Purple. Walker uses a confessional/confidential tone in the novel that may not be for everyone. The purpose is to honestly represent the way that the characters speak while showing that the psychological effects of slavery didn't end with the abolition of slavery. There are some complex social dynamics being revealed in the ways in which Mr._____and some of the other males in the novel have unconsciously internalized the racism they have experienced, and begin behaving (in some ways) like the corrupt slavemasters that their fathers and grandfathers experienced. The victim becoming the victimizer in order to avoid becoming the victim- something to that effect. However, Mr.____begins to realize (as Shug tells Celie) that all things and people are related or connected, so when he hurts someone/something else, he hurts himself. Because of the imbalance of power between the men and women, the women have to find ways to fight to assert their humanity. Part of this struggle, for these particular characters, involves rebellion against the status quo in various ways. (This is sometimes where language becomes an issue.) The tone "tones" down through the middle to end of the novel, as we get Nettie's letters that relate her experiences as a missionary in Africa (which reveal some similar problems between men and women), and Celie begins to make her transformation. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award when it came out, is frequently used on the AP exam, and is a good companion piece to Invisible Man in the themes presented. That being said, if you'd prefer an alternative, you may read Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. This is an amazing memoir that helped to abolish slavery (talk about the power of books!) It is in the public domain, and can be read (legally) free of charge at this address: http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Literature/Douglass/Autobiography/. It is a short (100 pgs) but powerful true story of Frederick Douglass's life (as you likely gleaned from the title). If you decide to read this one instead, email me at lisa.heartz@bedford.k12.mi.us to let me know. You'd simply write your five blog comments for this book instead. (Just email any Frederick Douglass comments to me.) If you already wrote some for Color Purple and decide to switch, then just make sure you have five total posts including both. The five blog comments are due July 8th as you know. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks to all who have commented so far. If you haven't read the comments yet, check them out!