What Does Celie's Pants Mean

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Margarida Ndlovu Literature Essay Celie’s Pants

In Alice Walker’s The Color Purple the main character Cellie, was initially objectified by her step father Alphonso and her due respect was denied. In the novel the main character Celie turns to God. The opening line of the story starts with “You better not never tell nobody but God” which Celie’s stepfather tells her after he rapes and abuses her at the age of 14.She was a downtrodden,objectified young girl who was robbed of her freedom.Notwithstanding throughout the novel we witness her character growing and changing as a result of finding uplift and comfort from making pants.This activity with the help of Shug and her sister Sophia influences here life drastically.

For Celie pants symbolises independence. Back in Celie’s time women putting on a pair of pants was a paramount statement. The pants are also her source of economic success. Page 146: "Well, …show more content…

Yet she discovered that it wasn't the consistent yet empty moments she forcefully shared with Mr Albert that she discovered that her only redemption could not be physically touched. Her redemption came from making pants. Celie starts sewing pants to balance her emotions and calm her anger. Page 258: "How you make your living up there? he say."Making pants, I say."He say, I notice everybody in the family just about wearing pants you made. But you mean you turned it into a business? "That's right, I say. But I really started it right here in your house to keep from killing you." Sewing pants is the main reason Celie did not hurt or alternatively kill Mr Albert. When she was making pants she would neglect her problems and focus soulfully on making pants. This action is her happy place. Making pants is her stress reliever and it is what keeps her sane despite her triumphs.This quote also breaks the boundaries of gender

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