Domestic Violence in The Color Purple

The book is full of references to domestic violence, and one of the overriding themes in the book is the power of human perseverance in overcoming abuse and rising above difficult circumstances.  Here are a few quotes from the book regarding violence against women.  All of the quotes are from the main character, Celie.

“Well how you spect to make her mind? Wives is like children. You have to let ‘em know who got the upper hand. Nothing can do that better than a good sound beating.”

 “Harpo ast his daddy why he beat me. Mr._______ say, ... Cause she my wife. Plus, she stubborn. All women good for—he don’t finish. He just tuck his chin over the paper like he do. Remind me of Pa.”

“He beat me today cause he say I winked at ... a boy in church. I may have got somethin in my eye but I didn’t wink. I don’t even look at mens.”