Womanism Racial movements + Walker
A form of feminism which dedicated itself directly to the experiences of Black
women, Alice Walker defines herself as this. Acknowledges the importance of
family and maternal instincts that women have (Celie’s maternity is crucial for
her character development.)
Typical feminism tends to overlook black women’s experiences, especially during
the 1910s.
The celebration of the natural contribution and role of women within society –
childbirth, pregnancy, and care.
Within the book – sisterhood, safety within lesbian relationships, chosen family,
Maternity. The Olinka people reverse this.
Racism
The main theme = Black women were not truly freed when slavery ended.
Slavery was abolished in the USA in 1865, when the 13 th amendment was passed
– stating that no slavery shall exist besides as punishment within the United
States: the emancipation proclamation.
Slavery itself saw the African Americans as subservient, property to the white
plantation owners who profited off their manual labour. They were seen as little
more than objects. Rituals of the slave auctions involved bidders, and slaves
brought out from a pen and observed before being sold – after being cleaned
and covered in grease to make them look more ‘appealing.’ (Rituals of such are
mirrored in the novel with the marrying of Celie to Albert on page 12.)
Even after the emancipation proclamation, African Americans were still forced
into slave-like conditions. This can be seen through the loophole within the 13 th
amendment, stating that as a punishment slavery is acceptable – resulting in the
imprisonment of many individuals for extremely minor crimes, to be exploited
for their labour.
Eugenics theory – named by Galton in 1883, following Darwin’s death. Idea that
there is a genetic overclass – White > Black. Had gained popularity during the
time of Walkers writing. Cultural ignorance white society holds to non-white
backgrounds.
The Harlem Renaissance = cultural revival of A-A. literature, music etc during the
1920s. Representation of Black people within society was finally spreading.
Walker, as an African American herself, created characters fitting the
archetypes of people at the time. Portions of her inspiration for writing the
novel stem from joining a civil rights movement and discovering that the
lives of many people she knew and loved were not being told. Furthermore,
her grandmother was murdered by a man who ‘wanted to be her lover’ –
the characters in her book are based loosely on Walkers own knowledge of
her ancestry and experiences as a black woman in America.
The 1920s ‘Jazz age’ – influenced fashion, dance, and music altogether.
Singers such as Louis Armstrong gained worldwide popularity – centring
largely around Male black singers and ‘flappers’ of which some considered
it immoral and the ‘devils’ music.’ However, the racially defined music
exacerbated the feminist movement of the time, providing an outlet for
rebellion and providing jobs.
Patriarchy + feminist movements
1910s = 1st wave feminism - voting
1960s = 2nd wave feminism – sexual liberation
1980s = 3rd wave feminism – postmodernist feminism.
- Feminism emerged as an attempt by women to understand the
nature of their inequality.
 Patriarchal society = social system primarily placing privilege on
men rather than women. Women were viewed as second classes
citizens, expected to be docile and obedient to her husband’s
wishes.
Domestic Violence – wasn’t viewed with distain but normalised as a form of
appropriate discipline. 1895 a curfew was given on when domestic violence
was acceptable, due to noise complaints. 1956 – rape was defined for the
first time, officially (explains the consistent sexual trauma experienced by
Celie and Mary)
Male’s sense of sexual entitlement is another motif within the novel, and
the women are expected to be passive and abide. Female pleasure or
feelings were not often considered at the time – displayed through Mr’s
lack of care for Celie’s enjoyment, compared to Shug who – as a woman – is
much more conscious of wanting to have Celie enjoy herself.