Letter 73

1. Explain, using quotes from this letter, two reasons why Celie was writing to God and why she has now started writing to Nettie.  You should try to analyse the language used in your choice of quotes.
    
2. What does this change show us about how Celie’s character is developing?
    
3. What was Nettie implying when she said Jesus’ hair was like lamb’s wool?
    
4. In this letter, Alice Walker uses Shug as a mouthpiece for her own ideas about religion.  Explain in detail, using a quote from this letter, what Shug’s interpretation of God is.
    
5. Why do you think Alice Walker chose Shug as the character to express her views on religion?
    
6. Examine the language used in the following quotes.  You should explain what the quote means and then analyse the effect of word choice:
   1. Celie says God is, ‘just like all the other mens I know.  Trifling, forgitful and lowdown.’
   2. Shug says, ‘I knew that if I cut a tree, my arm would bleed.’
   3. Shug says, ‘I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it.’
   4. Celie says, ‘Every time I conjure up a rock, I throw it.’
       
7. Why do you think this novel is called The Color Purple?
    
8. Do you think the reader might begin to feel differently towards Celie and Shug at this point in the novel?  Explain your answer.
    
9. Can any links be made between Shug’s God and the Olinka’s God?