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Questions and Answers
What does Celie suspect Alphonso has done when she discovers that her second child is missing?
Sold her baby
What is the context of Celie's first exposure to Shug Avery?
A photograph
Who did Mr. intend to marry before marrying Celie?
Nettie
What does Celie do on her wedding day?
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Why does Celie suspect Olivia is her lost daughter when she sees her outside the fabric store?
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Who are Olivia and Adam's biological parents?
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Who is Shug Avery's lover?
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How does Eleanor Jane attempt to atone for her family's racism and their unjust treatment of Sofia?
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Who disowns the nickname 'Squeak' when she undergoes an empowering transformation of identity?
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What is Shug Avery's profession?
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What is Celie's main defining characteristic?
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What themes are explored in 'The Color Purple'?
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Name one motif in 'The Color Purple.'
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What are two symbols in 'The Color Purple'?
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As a young girl, Celie writes to whom as an outlet and means of self-expression?
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What chore does Celie elevate to being an outlet for creative self-expression?
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Who does Shug remind Celie of?
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What does Mr._____ hide from Celie?
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What does Nettie express in her letters to Celie that is similar to Celie's experience?
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Why does Mr.___ force Nettie to leave after she runs away from Alphonso?
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What does Kate buy for Celie?
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Why do Sofia's parents oppose her marriage to Harpo?
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Who advises Harpo to beat Sofia for her assertiveness and defiance?
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What do Celie and Sofia do with the curtains that were torn during Sofia and Harpo's fight?
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Why do Shug Avery's unsympathetic parents believe she deserves to be ill?
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Why does Harpo attempt to gain weight?
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What secret revenge does Celie take on Mr.___'s father when she overhears him criticizing Shug's promiscuity?
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Why does Sofia leave Harpo and move with her children to her sister's house?
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To whom does Shug dedicate a song when Celie and Mr.___ attend Shug's concert at Harpo's club?
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After Celie recounts her traumatic sexual experiences, what does Shug suggest is a woman's 'true' loss of virginity?
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What does Celie comment about her vagina when she looks at it in the mirror?
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When Harpo and Sofia both bring new lovers to Harpo's club, a fight ensues between which characters?
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What is Sofia's response when Miss Millie compliments the cleanliness of Sofia's children and asks her to be her maid?
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How does Squeak change after she is raped by the prison warden?
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Why is Sofia imprisoned and sentenced to twelve years of work as the mayor's maid?
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How does Celie learn that her sister is alive?
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What business does Celie establish in Tennessee?
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Study Notes
Characters
- Celie: Protagonist, experiences continual abuse; subjected to patriarchal oppression and seeks self-identity.
- Shug Avery: Blues singer, embodies independence and sexual freedom; becomes a significant influence on Celie.
- Mr. _______: Abusive husband who initially views Celie as an object; undergoes transformation.
- Nettie: Celie's supportive younger sister who values their connection; serves as a protector figure.
- Sofia: Strong-willed and assertive character, faces racism and abuse; ultimately seeks independence.
- Mary Agnes (Squeak): Transforms from submissive to empowered after trauma; rejects her former nickname.
Key Events
- Celie suspects Alphonso sold her missing child, deepening her sense of loss and oppression.
- First exposure to Shug Avery through a photograph sparks admiration and longing in Celie.
- Mr. _______ originally intended to marry Nettie but marries Celie instead, showcasing the theme of forced relationships.
Themes
- The power of narrative and voice: Characters express their truths through letters and personal stories.
- Cyclical nature of racism and sexism: The narrative often reflects ongoing societal issues of oppression.
- Gender roles: Examines and disrupts traditional roles, highlighting female strength and resilience.
Symbols
- Sewing and quilts: Represent Celie's creative expression and personal growth.
- God: A significant figure in Celie's life, serving as her initial confidant and source of solace.
Motifs
- Letters: Essential for character connection and narrative progression; convey themes of love and loss.
- Rural farm community life: Context for character development and exploration of social issues.
- Colors: Symbolize emotions, personal identity, and growth throughout the narrative.
Important Relationships
- Celie and Shug: An evolving friendship that empowers Celie to reclaim her identity and sexuality.
- Celie and Nettie: Sisters whose bond is tested by external forces, highlighting themes of familial loyalty.
- Harpo and Sofia: Their tumultuous relationship explores themes of power dynamics and gender roles.
Conflicts and Resolutions
- Celie's deep sense of loneliness mirrored in Nettie’s letters; both seek connection amid isolation.
- Sofia defies traditional expectations leading to imprisonment; her journey emphasizes the struggle against oppression.
- Celie learns of Nettie’s survival through discovered letters, representing hope and resilience.
Key Moments of Transformation
- Celie gains empowerment through sewing, establishing a tailored pants store that signifies her independence.
- Shug’s advice to Celie regarding sexual autonomy leads to profound self-discovery and acceptance of her body.
- Squeak's transformation post-trauma highlights the importance of community and support among women.
Cultural Context
- Themes of racism, sexism, and historical oppression are deeply woven into the characters' lives and relationships.
- The portrayal of female strength challenges societal norms, illuminating the capabilities and resilience of women.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the complex characters of 'The Color Purple'. This quiz covers the backgrounds, transformations, and relationships of key figures such as Celie, Shug Avery, and others. Explore how these characters embody themes of abuse, independence, and self-discovery.