earticle

영어

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple explores Celie’s journey from suffering to forgiveness and coexistence. Celie is raped by her stepfather and is threatened to remain silent. However, she breaks the silence by writing numerous letters to God, Nettie, and others. This article provides a brief history of bibliotherapy and journal therapy, including research findings and journal techniques by Kathleen Adams and James Pennybaker. As the novel progresses, the recipients of Celie’s letters change, reflecting her evolving viewpoints and attitudes. This change signifies her transformation from a passive sufferer to an active agent through expressive and reflective letter writing. Celie’s perspectives on sexuality and Christianity begin to shift when she meets Shug, who acts as a mentor. Shug plays a crucial part when Celie tries to kill Mr.____, who hid Nettie’s letters and treated Celie like a cow. With Shug’s advice, Celie chooses a needle instead of a razor. After this incident, Celie’s letters feature more vivid descriptions of nature, indicating her altered outlook and post-traumatic growth. By the end of this novel, Celie finds peace and clarity by forgiving Albert and, more significantly, by letting go of Shug, even though she really likes her. The final letter, expressing gratitude for everything, reveals that Celie has ultimately found peace and happiness.