the color purple Flashcards
(131 cards)
1
Q
Who is the author of the letters? What is her age and status?
A
Celie is 14, poor, Black, and abused. She writes letters to God.
2
Q
What does Celie believe happens to her babies?
A
She thinks they were taken away or killed.
3
Q
How is Celie physically affected by her father’s abuse?
A
She stops menstruating and loses interest in men.
4
Q
Who is Shug Avery and how does Celie learn about her?
A
Shug is a singer. Celie sees a picture and hears about her.
5
Q
Why does Celie sacrifice herself for Nettie?
A
To protect Nettie from abuse.
6
Q
Why is the letter format important in the novel?
A
It makes Celie’s voice real and personal.
7
Q
How do Celie’s letters change from the beginning?
A
They get longer and more thoughtful.
8
Q
Why does Pa say Celie is a better wife than Nettie?
A
She’s obedient, hardworking, and unattractive.
9
Q
Give an example of a flashback in the first letters.
A
Celie remembering being raped.
10
Q
Does Celie express anger at her abuse?
A
No, she endures it silently.
11
Q
How is life with Mr. ____ similar to life with Pa?
A
It’s equally abusive and controlling.
12
Q
Why does Celie think a girl in the store is her daughter?
A
She instinctively recognizes her.
13
Q
Why does Nettie live with Celie? Why must she leave?
A
She seeks protection but Albert forces her out.
14
Q
What does Celie notice about the Reverend’s wife?
A
She’s the only woman with money.
15
Q
How does Kate try to help Celie?
A
She encourages her to speak up.
16
Q
How does Albert treat Celie like a child?
A
He orders her around.
17
Q
Find a simile about Shug in this section.
A
She look like she made out of pink glass.
18
Q
Why doesn’t Sofia’s dad like Harpo?
A
He thinks Harpo is weak.
19
Q
How does Celie feel about Harpo and the kids?
A
She loves them.
20
Q
Describe Sofia.
A
She’s strong, confident, and independent.
21
Q
Why does Celie tell Harpo to beat Sofia?
A
She thinks that’s normal. She regrets it.
22
Q
What theme does Sofia’s family represent?
A
Female unity and strength.
23
Q
Why doesn’t Celie get mad?
A
She’s used to silence and pain.
24
Q
What does the quilt symbolize?
A
Unity, creativity, and healing.
25
How does Shug first treat Celie?
She’s rude and cold.
26
Why is Shug in a bad mood?
She feels abandoned.
27
Why is Celie surprised about Albert’s name?
She never knew it was Albert.
28
How does Celie get Shug to eat?
She lovingly cares for her.
29
What is Shug and Albert’s relationship?
They’re longtime lovers.
30
What do bright colors symbolize?
Freedom and joy.
31
Describe Harpo and Sofia’s marriage.
Harpo loves Sofia but is confused about roles.
32
Why is Harpo unhappy and overeating?
He wants to appear dominant.
33
How does Sofia feel about Harpo and their marriage?
She loves him but won’t be controlled.
34
How does Harpo change after Sofia leaves?
He becomes depressed and opens a jukejoint.
35
How does Shug show love for Celie on stage?
She sings for her and makes her feel special.
36
How does Celie compare Shug to Nettie?
She sees similar sweetness and care.
37
What is Shug’s reaction to Albert beating Celie?
She’s shocked and angry.
38
Why does Shug call Celie 'Miss Celie'?
To show respect.
39
Why does Celie cry when Shug sleeps with Albert?
She is jealous and hurt.
40
How does Shug defy gender roles?
She travels, sings, and earns her own money.
41
Why does Sofia resist gender roles?
She refuses to submit to male authority.
42
Why is Squeak chosen to see the warden?
She has relatives in law enforcement.
43
Why does Squeak become Mary Agnes?
She wants to be respected for herself.
44
What is Sofia’s attitude toward the mayor’s family?
She resents being forced to care for them.
45
How is Sofia treated in the mayor’s house?
Like a slave, without pay or respect.
46
What does 'white folks is a miracle of affliction' mean?
They cause harm while claiming superiority.
47
How does Celie feel about Grady?
She dislikes his laziness and drug use.
48
Why does Shug kiss Celie?
She wants to comfort and love her.
49
How does Shug help Mary Agnes?
Encourages her to sing and be independent.
50
Why does Celie get angry about Nettie’s letters?
It’s betrayal and wakes her up emotionally.
51
How does Celie retrieve Nettie’s letters?
With Shug’s help from Albert’s trunk.
52
What happens to Nettie after leaving?
She joins Samuel and Corrine as a missionary.
53
Why does Nettie write even without replies?
It gives her hope and connection.
54
Why is it a miracle that Corrine has Celie’s kids?
They are safe and loved.
55
What does Nettie say about NYC?
It’s fast, exciting, and full of opportunities.
56
How do missionaries view Africans?
Many are racist; Nettie rejects this.
57
What are the 'hard times' in Africa?
Colonialism, poverty, and oppression.
58
How is Monrovia different?
More westernized and influenced by Americans.
59
What does Nettie see in Senegal?
Pride in Black identity and heritage.
60
How are African workers like Americans?
They’re both exploited and overworked.
61
What does Nettie feel when she sees Africa?
Emotional and spiritual connection.
62
What does sewing represent in the novel?
Healing, creativity, and independence.
63
Why do the Olinka keep telling the roofleaf story?
It connects them to tradition and meaning.
64
How is the roofleaf like God?
It provides protection and spiritual connection.
65
How is Tashi different from other Olinka girls?
She questions gender roles and seeks education.
66
Why do Samuel and Corrine call each other siblings?
To protect appearances from gossip.
67
What does Nettie want to change about her hut?
She wants more cleanliness and privacy.
68
What theme is shown in Tashi’s struggles?
Women adapting to a changing world.
69
How do Olinka men remind Nettie of Pa?
They’re sexist and controlling.
70
What sarcasm does Nettie use about Tashi’s father?
She mocks his outdated views of women.
71
How are African stories part of Black culture?
They’re preserved through oral tradition.
72
What bothers Nettie about the Olinka?
They limit women’s rights and freedom.
73
How does Tashi’s mother change after her husband dies?
She becomes more open-minded.
74
What unity do Olinka women share?
They support each other through labor and grief.
75
Why are the Olinka men dangerous?
They’re immature and irresponsible.
76
How are Olinka people superstitious?
They believe in spirits, curses, and omens.
77
How are Olinka men like white Americans?
Both systems are patriarchal and oppressive.
78
What does the Chief learn on his trip?
No help is coming; their land is lost.
79
How are rubber companies like the greedy Chief?
They exploit others for profit.
80
Why does Samuel let Nettie live with them?
He admired her honesty and kindness.
81
What shocking thing does Nettie learn about Pa?
He was not their real father.
82
Why does Celie start writing to Nettie instead of God?
She no longer feels God listens.
83
What is Pa’s new house like?
It’s big, comfortable, and inherited.
84
How does Nettie convince Corrine of the truth?
She explains the family connection.
85
What theme is shown in Corrine's mistrust?
Misunderstanding causes pain.
86
What is Shug’s belief about God?
God is in everything—nature, people, joy.
87
Why is the title 'The Color Purple' meaningful?
It symbolizes noticing the beauty of life.
88
How long did Sofia work for the mayor's wife?
12 years, feeling trapped.
89
How are Celie, Shug, and others independent?
They make their own decisions and income.
90
Who is Henrietta?
Sofia’s daughter.
91
Why does Celie curse Albert?
To release her pain and anger.
92
What’s special about Shug’s bed?
It’s big, welcoming, a symbol of love and freedom.
93
How are African Americans like Olinka?
Both are colonized, exploited, and silenced.
94
How might Celie gain independence?
Through her pants business.
95
How do Sofia and her sisters defy tradition?
They wear bright clothes and walk together.
96
How is Celie’s tone in letters now?
Calm, peaceful, self-assured.
97
Why does Mary Agnes seem drunk visiting the kids?
She’s overwhelmed and emotional.
98
How has Albert changed at the funeral?
He is gentler, quieter, and respectful.
99
What does Sofia say about Albert’s change?
Loneliness made him reflect and regret.
100
How is Jared Hunt different?
She defies gender norms and supports women.
101
How does Jared show non-traditional roles?
She wears pants, is confident, and free.
102
What is the Bishop’s reaction to the plantation issue?
He ignores it, showing indifference.
103
How did Corrine and Samuel meet?
At church; Corrine is from a proper family.
104
Why are missionaries like flies on elephants?
The Olinka ignore them.
105
Why is Samuel upset with the Olinka?
They exclude him despite his help.
106
Why does Tashi get facial scarring?
To honor her culture.
107
How does Samuel react to the truth about Celie?
He is shocked and emotional.
108
Why is Alphonso’s death ironic?
He wasn’t their real father, but controlled them.
109
What do Celie and Nettie inherit?
Their real father's house and land.
110
What bad news does Shug give Celie?
She has a new lover and might not return.
111
What life do Grady and Mary Agnes make?
They live apart, focused on music and family.
112
How do the Olinka and Black Americans parallel?
Both suffer generational oppression.
113
How does Celie’s relationship with Albert change?
They become friends and equals.
114
How does the novel promote enjoying life?
Celie learns to see beauty in nature and people.
115
Who are the mbeles?
Rebels fighting oppression; Tashi joins them.
116
Why is Nettie worried about Olivia and Adam?
They might struggle to adjust to the U.S.
117
Why doesn’t Celie hate Albert?
She has found peace and forgiveness.
118
How does Celie show she’s not into men?
She says she never loved a man, only Shug.
119
How is abuse shown as cyclical?
Albert’s father was abusive; Albert and Harpo repeat it.
120
How do gender roles vary?
Celie wears pants; women take on male roles.
121
What do pants symbolize?
Freedom, equality, and self-expression.
122
Why do Olinka say white people are Black’s children?
They believe whites came from them and lost their way.
123
How is oppression cyclical?
Each generation inherits it through power structures.
124
Why does Tashi reject Adam?
He’s not marked; he joins her by scarring himself.
125
How does Celie help Sofia become independent?
She gives her a job in her business.
126
How is Eleanor Jane trying to atone?
She helps Sofia’s family out of guilt.
127
What life lesson does Celie learn from Shug?
She can love Shug without needing her to stay.
128
Why does Celie paint her room purple and red?
To embrace joy, identity, and freedom.
129
Why does Celie address her last letter to 'Everything'?
She now sees God in all of life.
130
Does the novel resolve its conflicts?
Yes, it ends in love, unity, and healing.
131
What is the novel’s main theme?
Love, self-worth, and spiritual freedom can overcome oppression.
