Lesbianism In The Color Purple

Her relationship with Shug is overtly sexual, whereas she is drawn to other women by emotion. Of the difference, she becomes aware when Albert brings Shug in a sick state and Celie has the opportunity to look at her naked body. In fact, Celie is confused whether she has transgressed her gender role and turned into a man. The overtones of Celie’s attraction transgress laws of heterosexual world. Lesbianism is celebrated in feelings of awe by the physical sensation that Celie experiences, in Shug they arise out of respect for Celie along with a feeling of protection. Flexibility in the dress codes has been a recurring theme in the novel. Dress as a mode of liberation is resonated throughout the novel. It shows one of the many ways in which hurdles can be removed and male tyranny can be shunned away. Folkspants Unlimited becomes a symbol of women’s freedom and self-efficiency. A lesbian vision is built up by identifying the love for God with love-making which is considered deviant by the society, thus, dethroning the stereotypical image of God. Also, the novel does not affirm any specific, socially recognizable lesbian

Celie finds her voice and personal identity over the years. As such, the work does function as a feminist novel. However, its deeper thematic elements offer an alternative approach to spirituality. Walker traces Celie’s journey from living in fear of a patriarchal God that is difficult to identify with to Celie’s eventual joy and acceptance of herself, others and the serenity to be found in daily life. Shug is the catalyst that allows Celie to embark on an active spiritual journey because Celie’s infatuation with and eventual love for Shug enables Celie to focus on a good aspect of her life. The relationship that forms between Celie and Shug eventually culminates with Shug sharing her vision of God with