從婦女主義的角度解析紫色這本書畢業(yè)論文

1、 . X X 師 學(xué) 院畢 業(yè) 論 文An Analysis of The Color Purple from the Perspective of Wamanism從婦女主義的角度解析紫色這本書外國語學(xué)院 英語教育專業(yè) 09 級 1班學(xué)生 黃XX 學(xué) 號 090201013指導(dǎo)教師 丁XX 職 稱 教授 完成日期 2013年3月15日 Abstract: Alice Walker is not only the first black woman writer in American history who won thePulitzer Prize，but also is one of t

2、he most influential writers of contemporary American literature.Her novel The Color Purple is known as a timeless classic, which directly explores thecontradictions and conflicts between black men and women, describes the hard course of blackwomens growth, points out a feasible road of two sexes har

3、mony, and further shows the essenceof the “womanism”.This thesis is divided into fiveparts. The first part gives a brief overview of AliceWalker and her masterpiece The Color Purple. The second part deals with the theoretical framework, and includes the theory of womanism. The third part gives an an

4、alysis of the four female characters in the ColorPurple from the perspective of womanism. The forthpart mainly deals with three unique features of womanist reflected in The Color Purple. Then naturally thefifth part makes a conclusion. In all, Alice Walkers womannism overcomes the shortcomings of th

5、e feminism and provides a new angle of view to liberate black women.Key Words: Alice Walker; womanism; The Color Purple; Harmony摘 要艾麗絲·沃克是美國歷史上第一位獲得普利策文學(xué)獎的黑人女作家,也是當(dāng)代美國文壇最有影響的作家之一。她的小說紫色直接探討了黑人男女之間的矛盾和沖突，以與黑人婦女的艱難成長之路，提出了兩性之間和諧相處的可行之道，并從多個(gè)角度展現(xiàn)了“婦女主義”的要旨，是沃克的婦女主義思想的完美體現(xiàn)，被譽(yù)為永恒的經(jīng)典。本文共分五個(gè)部分。第一部分簡要介紹

6、艾麗絲·沃克以與她的代表作紫色。第二部分是理論基礎(chǔ)。第三部分從婦女主義的角度分析紫色中的四個(gè)女性。第四部分探討了紫顏色中的三個(gè)典型文化特征。第五部分為總結(jié)。綜上，愛麗絲沃克提出的婦女主義不僅克服了傳統(tǒng)女權(quán)主義的缺點(diǎn)，而且也為解放廣大黑人婦女提供了一個(gè)新的視角，使她們能更勇敢的面對自己的人生，也更有勇氣實(shí)現(xiàn)男女之間的和諧。關(guān)鍵詞艾麗斯·沃克；婦女主義；紫色；和諧ContentsIntroduction10.1 An Introduction to Alice Walker10.2 An Introduction to The Color Purple11.Theoretica

7、l Framework31.1 The Theory of Womanism31.1.1 Advocating the Braveness and Confidence of black women31.1.2 Praising the Sisterhood of Black Women31.1.3 Pursuing the Harmony of Two Sexes41.2 Summry42.Four Female Characters of Womanism in The Color Purple52.1 Celie52.2 Shug52.3 Sophia52.4 Nettie62.5 Su

8、mmary63.Unique Features of Womanist Culture Reflected in The Color Purple73.1 Blues music73.2 Sewing83.2.1 Sewing Clothes for the Family83.2.2 Co-Sewing with theMr. Johnson93.2.3 Quilt-Sewing93.3 Pants- Making10Conclusion12Bibliography 13Acknowledgement14 .16 / 20Introduction 0.1An Introduction to A

9、lice WalkerIn the latter half of the 20th century, with the development of feminist movement, the rise of African-American writers became particularly striking. Especially in 1983, a black writerAlice Walker won three U.S.literary awards: the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award and the National

10、Book AssociationAward.As a practitioner and theory explorer ofthe black feminist literature, Alice Walker revealed the tragic fate and poor living conditions of the blackwomen with her unique perspectives, studied the humanity of the Blacks beyond the boundariesof race and gender.She discovered the

11、problem of the universal human nature: living conditions, social relations and weaknesses, and the pursuit of the human spirit.AliceWalkers literary creation closely related to cultural traditions, the contemporary socialenvironment, and her life experiences and family background. So it isnecessary

12、to understand Alice Walkers life background before analyzes the text. Alice Walkerwas born in a black family who were sharecroppers in Southern America.She witnessed and experiencedthe unfair social status and sufferings of the blacks. From her mother and grandmother, AliceWalker learned much about

13、the oppression and abuse of the tragic fate of black women. At thesame time, AliceWalker understood the preciousness of the blacks cultural heritage. She set the faith forthe preservation and promotion of the traditional culture. The tragic childhood made AliceWalkerindrawn, so she only focused on r

14、eading. When Alice Walker wanted to devoteherself to literarytradition and historical artistic creativity of the black women, her mothers gardening skills andthe other black womens artistic creativities inspired her greatly. Theimpact of AliceWalkers mother also reflects on that she valued childrens

15、 education. Althoughthey lived in a village where without a school, but her mother tried her best to provide her eightchildren with educational opportunities. Before AliceWalker gone to get college education, her motherhad already given her three things: a sewing machine, a typewriter and a suitcase

16、. Walker explained themeaning of these three gifts: the sewing machine means independence, the typewriter means that writing will be her life, and the suitcase means enlarging her vision.Alice Walker is a black writer who has rich life experience, profound thought and clear politicalideas. Alice Wal

17、ker shoulders social responsibility and historic mission of this vulnerable group blackwomen writers.Sheis fully aware of the touching power of the literature that depends on the deepmeaning of the subject and ultimate concern for the destiny of mankind. Alice Walker makes a huge contribution to con

18、temporary American literature.0.2An Introduction to The Color PurpleThe Color Purple was published in 1982 and won the Pulitzer Prize and the American BookAward. This novel tells the life journey of the protagonistCelies growth from a vulnerable girl to anindependent woman. By emphasising on Celie a

19、nd the other black womens pursue forequality, independence and fulfillment, Alice Walker demonstrates her ideas of womanism best.In The Color Purple, there are three sets of letters. The first letter is Celies letters which were written to God about Celies miserybecause she could not write or speak

20、to anyone else. The second is Netties letter to Celie, about her variousexperiences in Africa. The third is Celies letter to Nettie, which exposes the theme of The Color Purple. The Color Purple began with Celies letter to God. When Celie was fourteen years old, shewas raped by her stepfather.Then s

21、he gave birth to twochildren who were taken away by her father later. Celie felt extremely painful and torturous, except God,she was forbidden to tell others. Later, Celie married to Albert, whom she called “Mr. Johnson”.As Mr. Johnsons wife, Celie worked hard in his fields, took care of his childre

22、n and bore his violence.Celies sister Nettie, who escaped from her own home because of her stepfathers mistreatment, wasadopted by a black missionary couple and went to Africa with them. At first, Sofia had great influence on Celie. Sofia was a brave woman, who fought against her husbands abuse. And

23、 Sofiarefused to be the maid of the white mayors wife. Shug Avery is a bluessinger and Mr. Johnsons lover.Some ideas ofShug s songs are considered as sinful for the Christiansbut theyinspire peopleEven Celie is encouraged and comforted by ShugssongsIt is the blues songs that convey black womens aspi

24、rationfor freedom and selfhoodMoreover,Shags pursuit of the blues reflectsthe appreciation of the African culture Although the plot is simple, this novel is far from being simple. L.S Robinson claimes that“Like a skillfully crafted quilt, The Color Purple incorporates recognizable pieces of literary

25、traditions into its own pattern, including slave narrative, domestic novel, epistolary novel,bildungsroman, fairy-tale, romance, and even existential novel.”(L.S Robinson, 1996:32).Maroula Joannou acclaims that “the influence of The Color Purple in progressive academiccircles was unprecedented” (Mar

26、oula Joannou, 2000:101).1. Theoretical Framework1.1The Theory of WomanismIn 1983, Alice Walker creatively put forward the concepts of “womanist” and “womanism” toreplace “feminist” and “feminism” in her important collection of essays-In Search of ourMothersGardens. In this book, Alice Walker makes a

27、 concrete and vivid illustration of the black womensideal state, and defines the term “womanism” as follows:1. A black feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of mothers tofemale children “You acting womanish” that means you act like a woman, usuallyreferring to outrageous, aud

28、acious, courageous, or willful behavior. Wanting toknow more and in greater depth than is considered “good for one”. She is responsible. She is in charge. She is serious.2. A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or nonsexually, appreciates andprefers womens culture. Committed to survival and wh

29、oleness of entire people,male and female.3. A woman who loves music and dance. She loves the moon. She loves the spirit. Sheloves the food and roundness. She loves struggle. She loves the folk. She lovesherself. She is regardless.4. Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender. (Walker, 1983: xi

30、-xii)Walker creates the term “womanist” to show thedifferences with white feminists. Womanism is a unity oanti-sexism,anti-racialism, Africacentralism and humanism, which is regareded as the core of Walkers spiritual world.Alice Walker stresses that the womanist “Committed to survival and wholeness

31、ofentire people, male and female” (Walker, 1983:77). Survival whole is the core ofwomanism. Walkers womanism is not only against the gender discrimination, but also againstthe inequality of race and class. Alice Walker calls for all people of different races, colors and genderscoexist equally and pe

32、acefully to achieve humans survival whole.1.1.1 Advocating the Braveness and Confidence of black womenAlice Walker gives the origin of the womanism in the first interpretation. Hence a womanist musthave some characters which the word “womanish” implies, such as brave, courageous,responsible,self-con

33、fident, and grown-up and so on. As a womanist, Alice Walker shows thesecharacters completely. When Alice Walker was young, she was very confident. She dared to cry out“Im the prettiest” in front of her brothers (Walker 1983, 385). Alice Walkeractively took part in the Civil Rights Movement and Black

34、 Womens Movement, When she studied in college. Whats more, she wasthe pioneer who opens black women literature course in college.1.1.2 Praising the Sisterhood of Black WomenIn Alice Walkers works, we can find that the good relationship among women can be foundeverywhere. For instance, In The Color P

35、urple, the mutual love and support among Celie, Sofia, Nettie,Shug, and Squeak,demonstrates the important influence of sisterhood on the liberation of black women.Alice Walker also emphasizeswomens emotion and womens culture, one of which is making quilts.When Alice Walker wrote The Color Purple, sh

36、e lived a very simple life in a mountain village, but shestill did not forget to make the quilt. “I bought a quilt pattern my mama swore was easy,.I worked on my quilt .My quilt began to grow” (Walker 1983, 358). To some extent, making quilts help her to finish the novel. In The Color Purple, Celie,

37、 Sophie and Shug alsomade a quilt named “sisters choice”, which symbolizes their precious friendships.1.1.3 Pursuing the Harmony of Two SexeAlice Walker never forgets black men. Thewomanist should commit themselves to the entire things of the world, whether they are male or female, human beings or n

38、ature. Sometimes, Alice Walker is criticized by her negative depiction ofmen, especially black men, but she is not aseparatist. Alice Walker only wants to show human beings a fact thatblack woman is suffering unfair treatments and great hurt. Therefore, great hurt hopes that blackmen can realize and

39、 rectify their problem. And they can become friends of black women. At the end of The Color Purple, the change of Albert and Harpo is a good illustration of Walkers wish of achieving theharmony of two sexes.The American Heritage Dictionary defines womanist as: “Having or expressing a belief inor res

40、pect for women and their talents and abilities beyond the boundaries of race and class;exhibiting a feminism that is inclusive esp. of Black American culture” (Harcouri, 2000:312)1.2 SummaryWalkers womanist theories provides a new theoretical perspective toAmerican black womens movement, feminist cr

41、iticism and even American literature. There isno doubt that as a prolific writer and daring practical thinker, Walker is the greatestAfrican-American womanist in the 20th century.2. Four Female Characters of Womanism in The Color Purple2.1 CelieCelie is the main character, who has been oppressed by

42、men her whole life. Celie is treated as“the mule of the world”(walker,1983) andsuffer from both racial discrimination and sexual abuseAt the beginning of The Color Purple，Celies father says，“youbetter not never tell nobody but God”(Walker,1982：1)Being deprived of the speech fight，Celie turns her inn

43、er feelings to letterswhere she can express herself freely At the start of the novel, Celie views God as completely separate from her world. She writes to God because she has no other way to express her feelings. She tells Shug that she sees God as a white man. Celie has this belief because everyone

44、 she knows has said God is white and a male. The ugly men Albert and he step father hardly destroy her whole life. Luckily, Shug tells her God has no race or gender. This enables Celie to see God in a different way. She realizes that you cannot place qualities on God because God is a part of the unk

45、nown. Her faith is now based on her interpretation of God, not one she learned from someone else. With the help of Shug, Celie found out letters written to her from Africa by her sister Nettie, a missionary. These letters, full of educated, firsthand observation of African life, form a moving counte

46、rpoint to Celie's life. They reveal that in Africa, just as in America, women are persistently oppressed by men.2.2ShugShug is a charming and rebellious character“in short skirt，smoking cigarettes，drinking gin，music for money and talkingabout slut，hussy，heifer and street cleaner”(walker，1982：49)

47、According to Alice Walker, womanists are who loves dance，loves music，loves the spirit，loves love and loves herself. It appearsthat Shug is a womanist who expresses her real feelings in the music and firmly believes the blues themes of love，sexuality andfreedomShug is a very extroverted and transcend

48、ental character. She is Albert's ex-girlfriend, the one who always got away. When she comes back to visit Albert, she shakes up not only his feelings, but also those of Celie. She influences Albert to the point that he ends up treating Celie better than he ever had. By showing Celie the wonders

49、of life and her body, she helps Celie develop herself emotionally and spiritually. Shug also helps Celie discover the long lost letters that her sister Nettie had written to her. In allowing Celie to view these letters, Shug is supplying her with even more hope and inspiration, letting Celie see tha

50、t in the end, everything works out for the best.2.3SophiaSofia is one of the strong personalities in the story. She marries Alberts son Harpo. Harpo tries to dominate and beat her as hes seen his father treat women, but she fights back by giving him a bruise on one occasion. One day she runs into th

51、e mayor and Miss Millie, the mayors wife. She finds Sofias children very “clean” and asks Sofia to be her maid. Of course Sofia refuses her because she would never dream of it. Being offended, Miss Millie slaps Sofia. Sofia hits back and for this she is beaten by a mob of whites and sent to jail for

52、 8 years, which almost breaks he spirit.“All my life I had to fight I had to fight my daddyI had tofight my brothersI had to fight my cousins and my uncles.Girlchild are not safe in a family of menBut I never thought. Id have tofight in my own house! But Ill kill him dead before I let him beatme”(Wa

53、lker,1982：401)Sofia is a strong and feistycharacter, and cannot be controlled by men. She is an independent woman who takes pride for what she does. Sofia has thecourage to challenge the patriarchy or the authority of men2.4NettieNettie is the ideal female character with knowledge, sense ofresponsib

54、ility and humanitarian spiritNettie uses the weapon ofknowledge to fight agianst the darkness of different oppressionsOnce Afro-Americans entered the United States，they lost theiridentityThey have no relatives，no friends，and no culture in thenew landThus，womanists advocate Afracentrism which implies

55、 thereview of Afro-American history and culture，especially slavery cultureand regression to African culture and tradition，according toAlice WalkerApparently，Nettles journey to Africa indicates hersearch of the lost black identity and cultureNettie told Celie that at the sight of the land where their

56、 mothers and fathers cried and lived and died，something struck in hersoul like a large bell“They are so black，Celie，they shinetry toimagine a city full of these shining，blueblack people wearing brilliant blue rubes with designs like fancy quilt patterns”(Walker,1982：126)She is excited to find her ro

57、ot and is proud of theblack and the black culture，just as all the womanists2.5 SummaryTo sum up, despite that they have different personalities and differentways of emancipation，the four female characters share the spirit ofwomanism since they are“committed to survival and wholeness ofentire people，

58、male and female”and their sisterhood builds upstrength andcourageto fight for a better future for all black womenand seek a harmonious coexistence between men and womenEvenin modern times，the spirit of womanism reflected by the four females is of great importance and significance for women still in suffering,especially for those of color,for this spirit conveys hope，enhancesstrength a