Comparative Essay; to Kill a Mockingbird and the Colour Purple

Words: 3835
Pages: 16

One Will Take What He Is Given

The purpose of Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is to demonstrate the hardships that are met when ignorance and tradition bring about the influence of sexism, racism and genuine prejudice to the general public. Ignorance is the root cause of prejudice as it prevents one to see beauty, so when it comes to dealing with the discriminating behavior held in this social order, the vast majority of people are judged by the label and stereotype society has given them, not by the kind of person they are inside. Nevertheless, through these corrupt societies, the protagonists are able to experience incredible journeys of courage, growth and love. Bravery and love is

______, scarring the very ideology Celie possesses for men. Also, this could connect to the fact that Shug defies the tradition woman being abused, and beaten. Shug is everything Celie wants to be, but she cannot become. Nevertheless, in time she gives Celie the confidence to stand up for herself. Her love eventually conquers Celie’s idea of what a traditional women’s life should be like. Their love is symbolized when Celie states “It Hard not to love Shug. She know how to love somebody back.” (The Color Purple 289) The love that the two share destroys all of the ignorance Celie was forced to endure for the majority of her young years as well as brings her to become self-governing and strong. Celie’s transformation could be proven when Mr._____ begins to insult her on how she incapable of doing anything with her life. By learning to stand up for herself against Mr._____ and discover her own beauty, she boldly replies “I’m pore, I’m black, I may be ugly and can’t cook. . . . But I’m here” (The Color Purple pg 207) Celie’s assertion of herself comes forcefully when she decides to make Mr. ______ acknowledge and her presence in this world. It is a defining moment for her as it differentiates sharply with her former silence, symbolizing the development of bravery and attainment of self-respect. Celie in a sense conquered tradition with her speech, as she inspired Mr. ______ to rebuild and start a fresh slate in his