Topic > Hope as a Central Theme in The Color Purple

Hope is a powerful thing. It can give people the courage to climb hills they thought were insurmountable. Hope is what people try to kill in the oppressed. Because with hope they will rise again. Hope for a better life is what drove slaves to become free, hope is what Rosa Parks had when she unknowingly inspired a series of black protests. Hope is what women had when they took to the streets demanding equality. Hope is the central theme of the novel The Color Purple. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Hope is what Celie needed to change her life. Celie's life seems devoid of all hope. She was passed down like chattel from an abusive stepfather to an abusive husband. His children were sold. She never had a say in deciding anything on her own. Hope is what Celie can't afford to have, not without reason. Celie never thought she could take control of her life. The letters he writes convey this repressed role he plays in his life. Almost all of her letters to God describe what is happening around her, never what she feels or what she wants. She is simply an observer of her life, not the owner of her life. He doesn't realize what he's missing until he sees Shug Avery. Shug Avery gives Celie something to look forward to, someone she was in awe of. I ask her to give me the photo. And I stare at him all night. And now, when I dream, I dream of Shug Avery. She's dressed to kill, she twirls and laughs. Life gives Celie the chance to meet Shug and take care of her in her weakest moment. They became very close. He says the song I'm about to sing is called "Miss Celie's song." Because he erased it from my head when I was sick. First he hums it a little, like he does at home. Then sing the words. This is a worthless man who has hurt her, once again. But I don't listen to that part. I look at it and hum the tune a little. The first time someone created something and named it after me. (Walker 47) Celie finally has someone who appreciates her and it makes her want to do things that make her happy. She finally feels like she has someone she wants to do something for, unlike others who she was forced to do something for. Celie confides in Shug about all the terrible things in her life, hoping to find comfort. What did he beat you for? she ast. To be me and not you. Oh, Miss Celie, he says, and hugs me. We sit like that for maybe half an hour. Then he kisses the fleshy part of my shoulder and stands up. I won't leave, she says, until I'm sure Albert won't even think about hitting you. (Walker 48) Shug's words and his staying behind to make sure no one hurts Celie gives Celie hope that life will get better. For the first time she dared to believe that something good would happen to her. My life stopped when I left home, I think. But then I think about it again. Maybe it stops with Mr. ___, but starts again with Shug. Celie never thought her life could be fun again or that she would be happy until Shug. With Shug he found a new hope in life. Shug taught her to dream, to be the heroine of her life. Thanks to Shug's support, sheer will and hope, Celie was able to start her own pant manufacturing business and thus earn a living. We also mention "The Color Purple" in our extensive article on the most inspiring books, you can delve into that too. Another important figure who impacts Celie is Sofia, she cannot stand her husband's abuse and stands up to him..