Black Feminism in Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple”

 

Vivin Nofrina Sari

 

 

The issue of feminism in woman movements has been a great influence that mirrors women’s rise for independence and equality with men. The idea of feminism is often reflected in literary works such as novel. Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is one of many novels presenting the view and idea of feminism. It goes beyond sexism, racism, and homophobia, and is undoubtedly Walker’s most popular novel that has influenced millions of people throughout the world. Experts state that Alice Walker’s The Color Purple is an example of a “woman’s novel” as it carries an identified tradition of women’s writing in terms of narrative strategy, themes addressed, and voice. Depicting the experience of sexism and gender bias, The Color Purple is a good representation that pronounces women’s voice to break out from any oppression that is based on gender differences. Therefore, it is considered important to analyze the novel, which presents the ideas of black feminism through its female characters.

This study is conducted to analyze the views and ideas of black feminism as reflected through the female characters in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. This study is aimed to find the answers to three problems, which include: (1) What are the views and ideas of black feminism as reflected through the female characters in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple? (2) How do the female characters act to carry out the views and ideas of black feminism in the novel? And (3) what are the goals the female characters want to reach by acting out their views and ideas on black feminism?

This study implements a qualitative approach with a descriptive analysis design, using a novel text, Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, as the data source.

In general, based on the findings of the study, the views and ideas as reflected through the female characters in the novel depict the idea of freedom. The researcher finds six views and ideas of black feminism in the novel, covering the ideas of (1) freedom to break from the constraining patriarchal ideology, (2) freedom to fight against male sexist oppressors, (3) obtaining freedom by financial independence, (4) obtaining freedom by education, (5) obtaining freedom by engaging in sisterhood, and (6) freedom to choose and determine sexuality.

Following their views and ideas, a series of actions are done by the female characters to carry out their views and ideas of black feminism. Their actions include the acts of: (1) breaking the patriarchal ideology, (2) confronting and leaving the male sexist oppressors, (3) working or engaging in an occupational activity, (4) engaging in education, (5) engaging in sisterly bonding or sisterhood, and (6) engaging in lesbian relationship.

By carrying out the views and ideas of black feminism in the form of actions, the female characters in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple intend to reach the goals of total freedom and equality between men and women, embracing all aspects in life such as economical, social, political, and sexual aspects, both in the domestic/household and public areas. More importantly, the main goal that the female characters want to attain by acting out their views is to deconstruct the constraining patriarchal ideology that hinders women from developing themselves.

 

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Sari, Vivin Nofrina. (2002). Black Feminism in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. Thesis. Malang: English Department of the State University of Malang.

 

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