Alice Walker Research Articles

Exploring the Construction of Female Characters in The Color Purple from the Perspective of Trauma Narrative

This paper explores the construction of female characters in Alice Walker s The Color Purple through the lens of trauma narrative. By analyzing Celie, Nettie, and Shug s traumatic experiences, it reveals trauma narrative s role in exposing female oppression and societal injustices, while highlighting resilience and growth. The study shows how trauma narratives depict the characters journeys towards healing, self-realization, and empowerment. The paper also discusses the novel s real-world impact on perceptions of women s rights and the significance of literature in advocating for social change. Ultimately, it underscores the enduring relevance of The Color Purple in contemporary discourses on gender equality and racial justice.

THE MAIN CHARACTER’S SELF-ACTUALIZATION USING MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS IN THE COLOR PURPLE BY ALICE WALKER

A. Maslow introduces the five-stage hierarchy Model in his book Motivation and Personality (1954), which emphasizes the satisfaction of needs to achieve the higher self. This research analyzes a novel made by Alice Walker entitled The Color Purple and it leads on one main characters, Celie. This study was done on purpose to help analyzing how Celie gives her needs hierarchy. The writer used the theory of Maslow of needs which is the needs hierarchy. It is categorized into five which are physiological, love, safety, and belongingness, self-esteem, and also needs of self-actualization. Based on analysis, the evolution of the personality character has been developed in every level, showing equal attentive to fresh visions into her relationships and conduct to others. The writer also applies close reading, and contextual method on purpose to help supporting the analysis. The outcomes indicate that Celie is able to fulfill her needs hierarchy.

Voice of the Voiceless in Alice Walker's: The Color Purple

Voice of the Voiceless in Alice Walker's: The Color Purple

Alice Walker's Portrayal of inequality and unfair treatment towards Women in the Novel "The Color Purple"

This research paper explores Alice Walker's poignant portrayal of inequality and unfair treatment towards women in her seminal novel, "The Color Purple." Through a close analysis of key instances in the text, this paper examines the various forms of oppression faced by female characters, including Celie, Sofia, and Shug Avery. By delving into themes of sexism, racism, and misogyny, this paper aims to highlight Walker's powerful commentary on the systemic injustices endured by women in a patriarchal society. "The Color Purple." Through a comprehensive analysis of key instances in the text, this paper elucidates the pervasive themes of sexism, racism, and misogyny, as experienced by characters such as Celie, Sofia, and Shug Avery. By delving into the socio-cultural context of the early 20th century South, this paper aims to contextualize Walker's portrayal of systemic oppression and its impact on female characters, ultimately underscoring the novel's significance as a powerful commentary on gender and race relations.

White Fetishism in Meridian: A Lacanian Interpretation

Fetishism, a term long explored within the field of psychoanalysis, has been subject to various theoretical interpretations for over a century. One such perspective is offered by Jacques Lacan, a prominent French psychoanalyst, who explored the connection between desire, lack, the symbolic order, and the fetish object. His main argument is based on the idea that human desire is not rooted in the pursuit of an object but is instead fueled by the inherent lack in the subject. Drawing upon Lacan’s psychoanalytic framework, this article explores Alice Walker’s novel Meridian (1976) in terms of Truman Held’s symbolic desires and the complex relationships that shape his identity. This study applies a qualitative approach, deploying close textual analysis of key passages from the novel to identify instances of fetishism. The fetish, as a symbolic substitute for the unattainable object, emerges as a crucial element in comprehending Truman’s coping mechanisms and attempts to reconcile his fragmented self. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the novel’s psychological dimensions, illuminating the character’s struggles for identity formation, agency, and liberation by uncovering the ways in which desire becomes a driving force within the broader socio-political context.

A Critical Discourse on Self Discovery in Alice Walker’s Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah

Alice Walker and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie are renowned female writers from different backgrounds, countries and as such, different ideologies. They share a lot in common as their novels revolve around women, their struggles, challenges and experiences in life. Alice Walker concentrates on African-American women while Adichie focuses on the experiences of Africans, especially women who left the shores of Africa to the western world, their struggles, challenges encountered for being black and being a woman which Bell Hooks regards as “double tragedy”. This study is a comparative analysis of the self discovery in their novels: Now is the time to open your Heart by Alice Walker and Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie. It examines how the female protagonists: Kate and Ifemelu re-discover themselves and carve out a niche for themselves despite the challenges they face in their various journey in life. This study attempts to disabuse the minds of those who believe that women should be regarded as objects to be played with; rather they are subjects as could be ascertained from the lives of the characters, especially, the protagonists. Effort will be made to examine their pitiable experience which ranges from racism, segregation, humiliation and exploitation. Womanist and Post-colonial theories have been employed in this study to ostensibly facilitate a link between the experiences of Africans in Diaspora and the American system of government.

Realization of Feminist Identity in Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and Alice Walker's "The Color Purple": A Perspective Based on Womanism

Realization of Feminist Identity in Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and Alice Walker's "The Color Purple": A Perspective Based on Womanism

A Study on Feminism and Female Consciousness in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple

Over time, feminism has evolved with varying interpretations, including a focus on gender equality across societal domains and as a political movement supporting women's rights. Feminism has historically challenged patriarchal norms, promoting sexual equality and personal freedom for women. Alice Walker, a prominent African American feminist, has made significant contributions to literature and activism. Born in 1944, Walker's works highlight the struggles faced by Black women in a racist and sexist society. Her acclaimed novel, The Color Purple (1982), explores themes of Black womanhood during the Civil Rights era, illustrating the resilience and empowerment of female protagonists. Walker's writings emphasize the intersectionality of race, gender, and class, portraying characters who transcend oppression to achieve self-acceptance and empowerment. Through her literature, Walker advocates for women's liberation and denounces societal injustices like sexual assault and domestic violence. The Color Purple, a pivotal work in Walker's oeuvre, showcases the transformation of protagonist Celie from subjugation to independence, reflecting themes of female consciousness, resilience, and liberation. The novel underscores the importance of sisterhood and solidarity among women in the fight for equality. In conclusion, Walker's exploration of feminist themes in The Color Purple resonates with the experiences of Black women, highlighting their historical and contemporary struggles. Her literature serves as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of Black feminist thought and practice, inspiring readers to confront societal inequalities and envision a more equitable future.

Study of Celie's Portrayal in "The Color Purple" Under the Theory of Androgyny

The classic novel The Color Purple by black American author Alice Walker outlines the journey of Celie, a black woman in the Southern part of America in the early 20th century, as she grows up under the triple oppression of race, gender and class. Celie is abused by her stepfather and then forced to marry Mr. ____, a widower who already has four children, and lives in daily slave-like worry. However, with the help of other women, Celie gradually awakens from her numb and closed state, thinks about her gender and identity, and finally grows up to be an independent woman with individuality, dignity, and self-confidence. Therefore, based on the theory of androgyny, this paper analyzes in depth the development process of Celie's gender consciousness, revealing that her gender consciousness goes from clear boundaries to blurring, and finally achieves integration through self-awakening. In the novel, Celie experiences the questioning and redefinition of her own gender awareness, from the initial limitation of social expectations to the gradual escape from the traditional gender boundaries, and finally realizes the comprehensive awareness of gender. Through an in-depth analysis of the image of Celie and the evolution of her gender cognition in The Color Purple, the author hopes to better help readers understand the plurality of individual gender cognition, and to provide useful literary references for the promotion of gender harmony.

Condition of Women in the Works of Alice Walker During the Post-Colonial Era

This review paper explores the impactful literary contributions of Alice Walker, focusing on her portrayal of the struggles faced by African American women in the post-colonial era. Alice Walker, known as the primary author of subaltern literature, delves into themes of racism, sexism, feminism, and womanism, shedding light on the intersecting oppressions experienced by Black women. Through an analysis of Walker's seminal works such as "The Color Purple," "Meridian," and "Possessing the Secret of Joy," this paper examines the emotional and physical traumas endured by her characters, including Celie, Meridian Hill, and Tashi. The narrative framework of Walker's novels, often utilizing epistolary styles, provides a unique lens through which to explore the complexities of identity, cultural expectations, and societal norms. Furthermore, Walker's portrayal of resilience, strength, and the unbreakable spirit of her female characters serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for social justice and women's rights. Through her literature, Walker challenges readers to confront systemic injustices and work towards a more equitable and inclusive society. This review paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of race and gender, highlighting the enduring relevance of Walker's writings in contemporary discourse on marginalized voices and societal transformation.

A Womanist Study in Alice Walker's Colour Purple

A Womanist Study in Alice Walker's Colour Purple

Utilisation Versus Enshrinement: Sibling Conflict over Heritage in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” from an Anthropological Perspective

Through Mrs Johnson’s household, Alice Walker illustrates a microcosm of the Afro-American ethnic culture in the US. A victim of racial segregation and discrimination, Mrs Johnson remains a single parent with two daughters to look after, while living in a simple tin-roofed cottage located in a remote village. Despite her suffering from trauma caused by her previous house being burnt to ashes, she manages to play her role as a perseverant mother devoted to her two daughters, ancestors, religion, community, and above all her Afro-American ethnicity. The short story covers Mrs Johnson’s painful meeting with her younger daughter Dee after several years of absence from home, which spans over a couple of hours but enlightens her on what is happening to her Afro-American ethnic community in the process of sophistication achieved through the institutionalised form of education that Dee has already received. Dee’s repulsion against her new house which Mrs Johnson has qualms about, is ironically superimposed by her newly developed anthropological appreciation of the household goods of Afro-American ethnic character it shelters. Her passionate struggle to possess handmade items of ethnic value belonging to the house leads to a conflict between Dee and her sister Maggie who is backed by their mother Mrs Johnson. Her intervention in preserving the rights of Maggie appears to Dee as a retrogression in the current trends of ethnicity-inspired commodity culture. A headstrong outspoken woman by nature, Mrs Johnson reduces Dee’s condescending criticism to laughter and celebrates her victory over the new fashion-centric value system.

Difference And becoming in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and The Temple of My Familiar

Today’s Postmodern world finds itself in a crisis of how to address its diversity as we move forward in our fight for gender and racial equality. Alice Walker is an African American writer whose fiction is very illuminating in terms of embracing the differences within each and every one of us. Her characters represent an invitation for people to look outside of the realm of their familiar, to experiment with the unfamiliar and to absorb and cherish the differences in us by immersing in processes of becoming and growth. Walker’s transgressive characters project a variety of experiences that speak against the homogenizing nature of essentialism. They embody the postmodern philosophy of becoming, multiplicity, fluidity and creativity which I intend to unravel through a pluralistic analysis that aims to overcome the dangers of fixed identities by relying on Process philosophy and Deleuzian ontology of difference.

Examining the Significance of Literature in Language Learning: A Linguistics Analysis of Selected Poems for Educational Purposes

This research delves into the profound significance of English literature in the realm of language learning, focusing on a meticulous linguistic analysis of three carefully selected poems: “Be Nobody’s Darling” by Alice Walker, “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost, and “As I Walked Out One Evening” by W. H. Auden. Through a nuanced exploration of these poems’ linguistic features, cultural contexts, and thematic elements, this study illuminates the multifaceted ways in which students can effectively learn language through literature. By closely examining vocabulary choices, syntactic structures, vivid imagery, and nuanced tones within these poems, students are provided with invaluable opportunities to deepen their language proficiency while simultaneously gaining invaluable insights into diverse cultural perspectives. Moreover, the findings underscore the inherent power of literature as a dynamic pedagogical tool, capable of offering authentic and engaging materials that not only facilitate language acquisition but also foster critical thinking skills and cross-cultural understanding. Ultimately, this research highlights the transformative potential of incorporating literature into language education, emphasizing its ability to enrich the language learning experience and cultivate well-rounded communicative competence among students. By embracing literature as an integral component of language pedagogy, educators can create dynamic learning environments that inspire and empower students to engage meaningfully with the English language and the world around them. Keywords: language learning; linguistic analysis; Educational Purposes.

Intersectionality in Girlhood Studies: Analysing the Denied and Reclaimed Journeys of Agency in Diverse Societal Milieus

The transition from girlhood to womanhood is a fundamental and often natural phase in a young woman's life, marked by self-discovery and growth. However, for a vast sea of girls across various regions and races, this process is unnaturalised and tainted by violence, abuse and suppression of identity. Their girlhood is stifled by a patriarchal society expecting them to conform to conventional gender roles, leaving them no room for joyful self-exploration. Therefore, girlhood studies becomes a crucial field of research to understand and highlight the resilience, agency, and creativity of girls while acknowledging the myriad systemic challenges they face, serving as poignant reminders of the need to nurture the girlhood of all young women, allowing them to flourish and discover their own unique paths to womanhood. This paper herein proposes to delve into this theme, seeking to understand how these dynamics influence the lived realities of girls who are denied a free girlhood, while exploring how they reclaim their voice in their fight against oppression. This study draws insights from Alice Walker's coming of age novel 'The Color Purple' along with selected sections from Rassundari Devi's autobiography 'Amar Jiban,' as these literary works illuminate the harrowing experiences of female characters forced into premature adulthood. Additionally, the study references 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in order to compare the nuances of stifled girlhood experiences across the boundaries of race, region and ethnicity. Scholarly voices such as Tanika Sarkar and Martha J. Cutter, etc. will also be cited simultaneously to enrich the analysis by encompassing aspects of feminist literary theories.

The Representation of Islam in Alice Walker’s Everyday Use

The present study explores the image of Islam as portrayed in Alice Walker’s Everyday Use. The study seeks to examine the nature of the interplay between Islam and the local community of the story in terms of the way fundamental Islam is received and accommodated within the context of conflicting worldviews. Walker’s Everyday Use unfolds, seamlessly, a portrait that captures the way Fundamental Islam is introduced and received, the Muslim community and its ethos, and the Muslim Individuals as torn between their commitment to Islamic tradition and the spell of trendy Black social movements to which they belong. Walker’s Everyday Use also sheds light on some threads of connection between Islam and Black Americans at the time. For all the clumsiness in his manner, ‘Hakim a barber’, the Black Muslim, remains committed to core Islamic values like offering traditional Islamic greetings of peace, abstaining from eating pork, and adopting the Islamic attitude of showing courtesy to women. Furthermore, the Muslim community in Walker’s Everyday Use is conjectured through the Christian narrator’s eyes as the epitome of African-American values of pride and empowerment.

Empowering Literary Creativity: The Alice Walker Mini-Museum at Eatonton-Putnam County Library

Empowering Literary Creativity: The Alice Walker Mini-Museum at Eatonton-Putnam County Library

A Study Of Health Consequences Due To ‘Female Genital Mutilation’ In African Novels With Special Reference To Abraham Verghese’s Cutting For Stone And Alice Walker’s Possessing The Secrets Of Joy

The nations should be put to an interrogation whether women in their provinces are surviving safe? The discursive readings will fail to deny the fact that women in each nation have always been considered secondary or being subjugated by several modes. The existence of women has been restrained by the male strategists who exploit them to imposing the prerogative of their dominion and masculinity. Masculinity does not believe in mere exploiting women, it also imposes upon women to represent themselves as commodities to be served to men, be it to getting their genitals circumcised to prove that they are ‘untouched’ and ‘virgins’. Female Genital Mutilation is a long- existing brutal practice which forces women to undergo their genital mutilation at their early ages. They are asked to get their genitals circumcised because it is an obligatory practice imposed by the supercilious imaginary customs of the males, in most of the communities. To understand the condition of women in this context, this paper analyzes the African history of enforcing the native women to undergo their genital mutilation (FGM), as being made as mandatory. To understand this locus, this paper dwells in the reading of the historical process of the female genital mutilation (FGM) being practiced worldwide, especially in Africa. To bring light in a more concentrating manner, the paper reads Abraham Verghese’s first novel Cutting for Stone (2009) that is almost set in Ethiopia during the 1960s and the 70s and Alice Walker’s Possessing the Secret of Joy (1992). Besides, many other African novels are also discussed in brief.

Exploring Feminine Sensuality: A Comparative Analysis Of Toni Morrison's 'The Bluest Eye' And 'Sula' With Alice Walker's 'Meridian'

Exploring Feminine Sensuality: A Comparative Analysis Of Toni Morrison's 'The Bluest Eye' And 'Sula' With Alice Walker's 'Meridian'

Exploring Feminine Sensuality: A Comparative Analysis of Toni Morrison's 'The Bluest Eye' and 'Sula' with Alice Walker's 'Meridian'

Exploring Feminine Sensuality: A Comparative Analysis of Toni Morrison's 'The Bluest Eye' and 'Sula' with Alice Walker's 'Meridian'