The Color Purple

The Color Purple

by

Alice Walker

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The Color Purple: Letter 18 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Despite this, Harpo and Sofia soon marry. Harpo begins receiving a wage from his father (his father believes this will make him work harder), and he and Sofia renovate a small shack on the edge of Mr. ____'s property, where they intend to live.
The geography of the novel is never made exactly clear, but Mr. ____'s father owns enough land that it can be divided up into parcels—with Mr. ____ getting a large share, and Harpo receiving some as well.
Themes
Race and Racism Theme Icon
Men, Women, and Gender Roles Theme Icon
Self-Discovery Theme Icon
Harpo's and Sofia's wedding is small but relatively happy. Celie makes curtains for their new home. Harpo has begun working harder in the fields, since Sofia has arrived. Mr. ____ tells Harpo that Sofia will eventually "switch traces" on Harpo, meaning that she will be unfaithful to him, or leave him.
Celie demonstrates, in this section, the beginning of her talents as a seamstress. She will put this talent to good use later in the novel, when she begins making pants.
Themes
Race and Racism Theme Icon
Men, Women, and Gender Roles Theme Icon
Self-Discovery Theme Icon
Quotes