The Color Purple Characters Quiz

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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?

Bandage her wounds, untangle her stepdaughter's hair, cook dinner Signup and view all the answers

Why does Celie suspect Olivia is her lost daughter when she sees her outside the fabric store?

She has Celie's eyes and Celie originally named her Olivia Signup and view all the answers

Who are Olivia and Adam's biological parents?

Celie and Alphonso Signup and view all the answers

Who is Shug Avery's lover?

Mr.________, Celie, Grady Signup and view all the answers

How does Eleanor Jane attempt to atone for her family's racism and their unjust treatment of Sofia?

Caring for Sophia's daughter Signup and view all the answers

Who disowns the nickname 'Squeak' when she undergoes an empowering transformation of identity?

Mary Agnes Signup and view all the answers

What is Shug Avery's profession?

Blues singer Signup and view all the answers

What is Celie's main defining characteristic?

The main character; constantly subjected to abuse and told she is ugly Signup and view all the answers

What themes are explored in 'The Color Purple'?

Power of narrative and voice; strong female lead; cyclical nature of racism and sexism; disruption of gender roles Signup and view all the answers

Name one motif in 'The Color Purple.'

Letters Signup and view all the answers

What are two symbols in 'The Color Purple'?

Sewing and quilts; God Signup and view all the answers

As a young girl, Celie writes to whom as an outlet and means of self-expression?

God Signup and view all the answers

What chore does Celie elevate to being an outlet for creative self-expression?

Sewing Signup and view all the answers

Who does Shug remind Celie of?

Her mama Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr._____ hide from Celie?

Nettie's letters Signup and view all the answers

What does Nettie express in her letters to Celie that is similar to Celie's experience?

Loneliness Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr.___ force Nettie to leave after she runs away from Alphonso?

She refuses Mr.____'s advances Signup and view all the answers

What does Kate buy for Celie?

A new dress Signup and view all the answers

Why do Sofia's parents oppose her marriage to Harpo?

Harpo's mother was murdered Signup and view all the answers

Who advises Harpo to beat Sofia for her assertiveness and defiance?

Mr.______ and Celie Signup and view all the answers

What do Celie and Sofia do with the curtains that were torn during Sofia and Harpo's fight?

Making quilt pieces Signup and view all the answers

Why do Shug Avery's unsympathetic parents believe she deserves to be ill?

She is promiscuous Signup and view all the answers

Why does Harpo attempt to gain weight?

To overpower Sophia Signup and view all the answers

What secret revenge does Celie take on Mr.___'s father when she overhears him criticizing Shug's promiscuity?

Spitting in his water Signup and view all the answers

Why does Sofia leave Harpo and move with her children to her sister's house?

He has gained weight, lost sexual vitality, undermined her independence Signup and view all the answers

To whom does Shug dedicate a song when Celie and Mr.___ attend Shug's concert at Harpo's club?

Celie Signup and view all the answers

After Celie recounts her traumatic sexual experiences, what does Shug suggest is a woman's 'true' loss of virginity?

Experiencing an orgasm Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie comment about her vagina when she looks at it in the mirror?

It is hers Signup and view all the answers

When Harpo and Sofia both bring new lovers to Harpo's club, a fight ensues between which characters?

Sophia and Squeak Signup and view all the answers

What is Sofia's response when Miss Millie compliments the cleanliness of Sofia's children and asks her to be her maid?

'Hell no' Signup and view all the answers

How does Squeak change after she is raped by the prison warden?

She changes her name, befriends Sofia, begins to sing Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sofia imprisoned and sentenced to twelve years of work as the mayor's maid?

Striking the mayor Signup and view all the answers

How does Celie learn that her sister is alive?

Finding the letters Signup and view all the answers

What business does Celie establish in Tennessee?

A tailored pants store Signup and view all the answers

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.