The Color Purple: A possible feminist reading

In The Color Purple, there is clearly a Feminist Criticism approach displayed. In the opening pages, Alice Walker, examines the injustice and abuse felt by the main characters through descriptions of the events in which they suffer though. These actions interestingly follow along with the meanings of feminist criticism. Each of the main characters in this novel is exploited very seriously to different degrees and by separate means. The Color Purple displays the struggles woman are forced to undergo and how sisterhood bonds can help in gaining the power to overcome the oppression. The novel displays the ways in which women band together to help each other overcome their biggest struggles and advance their confidence.
Throughout the novel, the sisterhood bond is used to show that through the strength, unity and support, of each woman, the main female characters are able to gain the power. Power which aids them to stand up to the men that keep them oppressed and give them the chance to live their lives. Characters such as Celie, Shug Avery, Sofia and Mary Agnes, display strong bonds in which empower them to act and support each other. One of the more noticeable bonds is that between Shug Avery and Celie. This bond seems to aid Celie to liberation in all aspects of her life. Celie describes the relationship between the two of them and says “Us sleep like sisters, me and Shug”. These two women represent both sisters and lovers in their relationship and Shug is the driving force in Celie’s gained confidence. Celie strives to be like Shug. Celie admires how she is self-confident, independent and self-sufficient. Her dream is to be like her.