"Mr. _____ mean sometimes, but he not that mean (pg. 119)."

How could Celie not believe that Albert has kept her letters from her sister after all these years? He reluctantly took her as his wife, and made her suffer through years worth of abuse and degradation. Even through witnessing and hearing about all of Sophia's actions (her brawls with Harpo and the encounter with the Mayor and his wife), she could not stand up for herself. Hopefully she will be able to turn the tables on Albert soon.

Use Gaughan with issues beginning on page 1??

I agree that the first page of The Color Purple is graphic, but I think that after doing the readings for this week, maybe Gaughan gave us some ideas of things we could do to make reading the novel less offensive. For example, in chapters three and four, Guaghan demonstrates exercises he does with the students to think about how language affects people. I think doing some language exercises before reading the book could be helpful. In this case it would be a different type of language - sexual, but still derogatory - but still getting the students to empathize and feel for Celie could be possible. That way, if the students appreciate the writing, they will probably be more eager to read it and share their thoughts.

"But I don't know how to fight. All I know how to do is stay alive" (Walker, 18).

Instantly my heart cried for Celie. How could someone abuse their daughter like that? My first thought is how can I teach this in a classroom? The first pages is so disturbing and graphic? Do you have any suggestions?

Celie is so very submissive. She doesn't fight at all. It is because there is no respect for her. She has very little respect for herself as well. Her faith tells her that if she is agreeable on earth her life in heaven will make up for it. This is one instance where I feel that religion is stifling. I would hate to live as a black woman in the south during these days. "The sheriff know how women is, anyhow" (Walker, 88) Women are considered crazy, hot headed, and need to be beat to become submissive. Men should be in control. How horrible?! Sofia stood up against this and she wound up in jail. Not only because she stood up against sexism but also racism. I am interested to see if she continues to fight for her believes or will prison force her to love her gusto?

Albert's sister Kate is considered on old maid at 25 (Walker, 21). I thought that was interesting. How would I be considered in those days. I am 23 and unmarried! I know that times were different but i thought it was revealing of the way that women lived then. Women were wives.

First time I think about the world" (Walker, 58). Celie has struggled to survive all of the abuse in her life. She barely has had time to think about a whole world going on around her. This is the first time in the book that i feel she is comfortable with her life and accepts what she is given. Do you think that she sees more of herself in this great world?

The first time love comes into play (Walker, 64). Sofia is in love or was in love with Harpo. This idea must be foreign to Celie. I don't think anyone has showed her love. Her life is one of service. I found it interesting that she acknowledges her place as a housemaid. There is a tension between love and power to voice you opinion.

"What did he beat you for?" "For being me and not you" (Walker, 75). The relationship with Shug Avery, Albert and Celie is an odd one. Shug loves Albert, Albert loves Shug, and I think that Celie loves Shug as well. I think that Albert is upset for losing his love early on in life and takes it out on Celie. I think that Celie loves Shug because men repulse her because every encounter with a man has been harsh, abusive, and unloving. Also, Shug represents a beauty that she does not possess. She is strong, and large, and powerful.

I have a question. What does the color purple represent? Will I find out later? Or, is it a status that she will never attain. When she went shopping and looked for a purple dress, and they didn't have one does that represent a rich white status?

By: Patty Keefe

Hi!

Hi Rebecca and Nicole!

I have not read The Color Purple or the NCTE book yet so I do not have any comments on that.

All I can say is, Hello and see you in class tomorrow!!!

Patty