However, Celie begins to understand that her perception
of herself differs from the way others perceive her. Reflecting
on herself and on her lot, Celie writes, “I might as well be under
the table, for all they care. I hate the way I look, I hate the
way I’m dress.” These beginnings of self-awareness represent a foundational
first step toward Celie’s empowerment.
As her sense of self develops, Celie begins to perceive
weakness and shortcomings in the men who oppress her. She also begins
to react in an assertive manner. Looking at Mr. ______, Celie critically notes
that he has a weak chin and wears dirty clothes. Angry at Mr. ______’s
father for his unkind words about Shug, Celie retaliates secretly
but assertively, spitting in the old man’s drinking water and threatening
to put Shug’s pee in his glass the next time he visits. Celie also
displays assertiveness when Harpo again asks for her advice about
Sofia. This time, Celie finds words to express her true feelings,
and she tells Harpo that abusing Sofia is not the answer.
Walker’s idea of the varied, multilayered nature of intimacy among
women also emerges in Celie and Shug’s relationship. Walker understands
sexuality and sexual orientation as a spectrum of possibilities
rather than as two, polar-opposite choices. Thus, like race, sexuality
can be difficult to define, and more complex than the simple dichotomy
of heterosexuality and homosexuality. Celie’s feelings toward Shug
are sexual, but they are also based on friendship, gratitude, camaraderie,
and admiration. Celie does feel sexually aroused when she sees Shug
naked, but just as important are the feelings of maternal tenderness
toward Shug that Celie confesses to God when describing how she
nurses Shug back to health.
