The Color Purple Quotes Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What does the phrase 'You gonna do what your mammy wouldn't' imply?

Pa to Celie, verbally and physically abusive in raping her.

What does Celie believe about education for Nettie?

Celie believes the power of education will keep Nettie from being condemned to the same fate as she is.

Who does Celie dream about before they meet?

Shug Avery.

What does Celie say about being beaten for dressing a certain way?

<p>He beat me for dressing trampy but he do it to me anyway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Celie's attitude towards fighting?

<p>I don't know how to fight. All I know how to do is stay alive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Celie describe her existence?

<p>I don't fight, I stay where I'm told. But I'm alive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie observe about Harpo's emotions?

<p>[Harpo's] eyes be sad and thoughtful. His face begin to look like a woman face.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie notice about Harpo and Sofia's relationship?

<p>[Harpo and Sofia] marching, hand in hand, like going to war. She in front a little.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie advise Harpo about Sofia?

<p>Beat her, I say.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie say to Sofia about her power?

<p>I say it cause you do what I can't.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sofia say about her feelings for Harpo?

<p>I loves Harpo, she say... But I'll kill him before I let him beat me.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sofia say about the girls in her family?

<p>All the girls big and strong like me... all the girls stick together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Sofia suggest to Celie about the quilt pieces?

<p>Let's make quilt pieces out of these messed up curtains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie say about names people have called Shug?

<p>Talk bout slut, hussy, heifer and streetcleaner.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Shug's first comment to Celie?

<p>You sure is ugly, she say, like she ain't believed it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie fear about her sexuality?

<p>I thought I had turned into a man.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Celie describe Shug's demeanor?

<p>She weak as a kitten. But her mouth just pack with claws.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Celie use to describe her feelings for Shug?

<p>I work on her like she a doll or like she Olivia - or like she mama.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What expression does Celie compare to Shug's smile?

<p>She smile, like a razor opening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crafting activity does Celie engage in with Shug?

<p>I hand her the square I'm working on, start another one.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Harpo want from Celie in their relationship dynamic?

<p>I want her to do what I say, like you do for Pa.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shug say about Harpo's desires?

<p>[Harpo] don't want a wife, he want a dog.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie feel when she thinks about Shug?

<p>Only time I feel something stirring down there is when I think about Shug.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Celie decide to give Sofia?

<p>At the last minute I decide to give Sofia the quilt.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Shug's promise to Celie?

<p>I won't leave, she say, until I know Albert won't even think about beating you.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Shug discuss with Celie in regards to her virginity?

<p>Why Miss Celie, she say, you still a virgin.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Themes and Concepts

  • Abuse and Power Dynamics

    • Pa's abusive behavior towards Celie highlights systemic violence against women.
    • Men's double standards in relationships are evident in the contradiction of punishing women for behaviors they themselves exhibit.

  • Education and Empowerment

    • Celie's encouragement for Nettie to pursue education reflects a belief in knowledge as a means to escape oppression.

  • Relationships and Female Solidarity

    • The connection between Celie and Shug Avery transcends sexual attraction, embodying a strong bond and maternal instincts.
    • Sofia's defiance against Harpo's attempts to control her showcases female empowerment and resistance to patriarchal norms.
    • Quilting symbolizes a form of solidarity and healing among women, representing a creative outlet for emotional expression and bonding.

Character Insights

  • Celie

    • Exhibits a survival instinct marked by her passivity; struggles with internalized oppression yet begins to find her voice.
    • Develops feelings for Shug that challenge her understanding of her identity and sexuality, indicating a journey towards self-discovery.

  • Sofia

    • Represents strength and independence, rejecting societal expectations of submission; refuses to endure physical abuse in her relationship with Harpo.
    • Emphasizes the importance of sisterhood and collective strength among women, instilling resilience in Celie.

  • Shug Avery

    • Initially seen as an object of desire, Shug evolves into a mentor figure, guiding Celie towards sexual empowerment and self-acceptance.
    • Fiercely protective of Celie, showcasing a nurturing side that contrasts her initial portrayal as a liberated woman.

Notable Quotes and Their Significance

  • "You gonna do what your mammy wouldn't" emphasizes the cycles of abuse and gender expectations in familial structures.
  • "Beat her, I say" illustrates Celie's internalized oppression and complex feelings towards empowerment versus victimization.
  • "I won't leave, she say, until I know Albert won't even think about beating you" highlights the theme of protection and the bonds formed through shared struggles among women.

Symbolism

  • The Quilt

    • Acts as a metaphor for the intertwined lives of the women; through the act of quilting, they forge connections, overcoming personal trauma.

  • Razor Smile

    • Represents the duality of Shug’s character—both alluring and threatening, hinting at the complexities of female relationships.

Interpersonal Dynamics

  • The relationship between Celie and Harpo reflects traditional gender roles, where Harpo seeks dominance, mimicking patriarchal expectations.
  • The contrasting dynamics between Harpo and Sofia, as well as between Celie and Shug, reveal different expressions of femininity and power within the narrative.

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Explore key quotes from 'The Color Purple' through flashcards that capture pivotal moments and themes in the novel. Each card offers insight into the characters' experiences and the importance of education and self-empowerment. Test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of this classic work.

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