The Color Purple V. Beloved

1. The Color Purple V.Beloved Jordyn Storm

2. Thesis • The two novels, The Color Purple and Beloved, both deal with the struggle of identity. • Whether it’s losing oneself or trying to develop a stronger identity for oneself.

3. Background of novels • The Color Purple • Takes place in 1900s and focuses on the way African American women were treated by men during this time period. • By this time slavery had been outlawed and black women were in fact, free. Although this was true, segregation was still big in parts of the country. • The women in this novel were fighters and seek protection for themselves and their families.

4. …Continued • Beloved • Takes place after Civil War(1861-1865) and is inspired by a former African American Slave, Margaret Garner. • During this time their was a Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which gave slave owners the right to pursue slaves across state borders • Almost captured while trying to run away, Margaret killed her two daughters so she wouldn’t be recaptured. • The story of the main character, Sethe, is based of off Margaret's story.

5. The Color Purple Theme • Female Significance • Black women have no say and are mistreated by males • Men continue to treat the women as if they have no rights or will without them. • Women need to learn to stand up for themselves as well as support one another • Important Quote: • “He start to choke me saying, you better shut up and git used to it. But I don’t ever git used to it.” -Celie Page 11

6. Beloved Theme • Damaged Identity • Slavery caused a negative impact on these characters identity’s. • Paul D is very insecure and leaves himself wondering if he can ever consider himself as a “real man.” • Sethe is affected by the haunting of her home. • Tried saving her children from “Sweet Home” • Denver (youngest child) saves herself from hitting rock bottom and finds independence on her own • Important Quote: • “Devil’s confusion. He lets me look good as long as I feel bad.” –Sethe Page 8

7. Connections? • These two themes connect through the struggle of identity change. • The Color Purple characters are negatively impacted by there past and their own identity is affected by it. • The women in Beloved are trying to fight for a new identity and be seen as real people instead of men’s property.

8. Other Literature • The color purple connects a lot to “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” • Women are treated poorly because men believe they are not educated enough to think for themselves • Beloved relates to the theme of tradition • The traditional way women were viewed was very weak, uneducated, and a piece of property • Overtime this perception has changed into a more modern way of thinking.

9. Conclusion • These two novels are connected through a similar theme of identity lose and importance. • They are both written during a time period where women were not viewed as strong and independent. • In The Color Purple, African women are suffering from segregation problems. • In Beloved, individuals are still dealing with the affects from slavery.