Guiding Considerations

• How does Celie's voice and sense of self change through her letters and her relationships?
• In what ways does Shug Avery act as a catalyst for Celie's empowerment?
• How does the correspondence with Nettie reinforce or complicate themes of identity and belonging?
• What role does the epistolary structure play in highlighting the importance of women's inner lives?

Pre-Writing Considerations

• How does Celie's voice and sense of self change throughout the epistolary narrative?
• In what ways do specific relationships challenge or break down the patriarchal and racial structures that oppress Celie?
• How does Walker use language, tone, and form (the letter format) to reinforce themes of voice and agency?

Requirements

• Develop a clear, defensible thesis that presents a specific claim about Walker's argument.
• Support your claim with textual evidence (direct quotations and paraphrases).
• Analyze at least two significant relationships in detail.
• Address how Walker's craft choices (structure, diction, imagery) strengthen your argument.
• Suggested length: 4–6 paragraphs (or as directed by your teacher).

Suggested Approach

Minimum length: 4–5 paragraphs | Cite specific passages from the novel

• Introduction: Describe Celie's initial state of silence and oppression; introduce your thesis.
• Body Paragraph 1: Analyze how Shug Avery exemplifies independence and helps Celie learn to appreciate her own worth.
• Body Paragraph 2: Explore Sofia as a figure of resistance and what her outcome reveals about the consequences of defiance.
• Body Paragraph 3: Discuss how these relationships together reshape Celie's identity, voice, and sense of agency.
• Conclusion: Consider Walker's larger message about sisterhood as a means of achieving liberation.