e try to motivate her to fight for something better. Her sister Nettie, who leaves for Africa to become a missionary, insists that Celie should leave Albert. Even Albert's sisters are ashamed of the way he treats Celie: "You got to fight them, Celie, she say. I can't do it for you. You got to fight them for yourself" (Walker, 1982, p. 22). Sofia, a woman who refused to be beaten by Harpo (Albert's son) likewise tries to get Celie to stand up for herself. Celie can only marvel at the way these women consider themselves equal to the men in their lives.
The Color Purple takes place in the deep South, probably several decades ago. Therefore, the gender stereotypes that are portrayed appear exaggerated to the modern reader. At least in modern times, some attempt is made to achieve gender equity, even though discrimination and bias persist. Although actual differences between the sexes have been minimized, stereotypes remain strong. The fact that gender stereotypes exist in America is evidenced by the stressful balancing act that working mothers undergo. Although almost as many women as men are in the labor force, women still get stuck with most of the housekeeping and childcare responsibilities. Corporate executives, the majority of whom are men, realize this and often create "mommy tracks" for working women.
The world that Celie inhabits is one that basically perceives women in terms of their maternal or sexual natures. The maternal is the woman like Celie, the one who can raise a family, clean house, and keep her husband's sexual needs in check. The sexual is represented by Shug Avery, Albert's lover. Shug is a singer whom most people consider a loose woman. Throughout much of the book Shug is unmarried and has sexual relations with a string of lovers, including Celie. Shug is free-spirited and has so much self-esteem that it rubs off on Celie.
Celie's sexual relationship with Shug originated from need. Celie...