An Analysis Of The Color Purple From The Perspective Of Initiation Story

Alice Walker is one of the most eminent black women writers in contemporary American literature.Her most well-known and controversial novel The Color Purple has attracted public concerns since its publication in 1982,and won her the Pulitzer Prize,the American Book Reward and a nomination for National Book Critics Circle Award.This novel depicts the initiation process of the protagonist Celie who under multiple oppressions is in pursuit of her self-identity and independence.Based on Walker's womanism,this thesis studies it from the perspective of Initiation Story and explores how the growth of main figures in this novel correspond to the characteristics of plot,characters and narrative structure of this specific literary genre.And furthermore,the thesis indicates that only when black men and women accomplish transformation can the survival and wholeness be achieved.This thesis is divided into three parts.The introduction includes a brief presentation of The Color Purple and Alice Walker,current research status of this novel,the connotation of womanism and the origin and development of initiation story.Chapter one discusses how The Color Purple embodies characteristics of Initiation Story from aspect of plot,showing that the protagonist Celie's alienation from the outside world.Author's Southern background and experiences used in this novel make it to be sort of an autobiography.Besides,this part studies the process of Celie's growth from innocence to maturity.Chapter two studies how The Color Purple embodies characteristics of Initiation Story from aspect of characters,analyzing positive and negative guides as well as companions who give rise to protagonist's growth.Besides,it digs into the growth of black men to reveal the indispensability of men's transformation to the entire wholeness.Chapter three explores how The Color Purple embodies characteristics of Initiation Story from aspect of narrative structure,such as,formulated plot,epiphany,first person narrative in epistolary form and symbolism.The Conclusion summarizes main points of this thesis to prove that The Color Purple is a traditional initiation story and points out a harmonious relationship will be realized when black men respects women's value and black women becomes independent.This thesis will enrich the study of The Color Purple from the perspective of initiation story and will also enlarge the research scope of the initiation story.