Patched quilt: the thematic pattern in Alice Walker’s womanist writings

Abstract

Abstract The womanist thinking initiated by Alice Walker not only represents her philosophical stance, but also imbues her literary writings with womanist characteristics. The pursuit of “the survival and wholeness of entire people” is the essence of Walker’s womanism, which permeates all of her writings so that her literary production demonstrates a unique artistic style with aesthetic implications. The patched quilt, known as a symbol of the artistic form of Walker’s womanist writings, is featured with the achievements of a whole by means of a fragmented and patched form. It also embodies the thematic structure in Walker’s writings which is presented in a clearly outlined pattern of “fragmented–piecing–wholeness.” By exploring the themes that constitute the thematic pattern in Walker’s writings, this paper points out that the fragmented–piecing–wholeness structure of womanist themes conveys hope for those who are oppressed by sexism and racism and those who are uncertain of their own destiny. Alice Walker has succeeded in combining her ideological content with artistic forms, and her womanist writings have not only enhanced the value of the culture of American blacks, but have also enriched literary ways of expression.