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 13th 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 13th 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
st
1910s = 1 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.