The Color Purple

The Color Purple

by

Alice Walker

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The Color Purple: Letter 53 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Nettie's next letter says that she has settled in with Samuel and Corrine (the Reverend and his wife). Nettie wonders whether Celie will read Nettie's letters and respond to them, but she thinks that it is perhaps too soon to receive a letter from Celie.
Nettie worries, at first, that something has happened to Celie, since she cannot believe that Mr. ____ would be so heartless as to follow up on his promise to keep all Nettie's letters from her sister.
Themes
God and Spirituality Theme Icon
Men, Women, and Gender Roles Theme Icon
Violence and Suffering Theme Icon
Self-Discovery Theme Icon
Quotes
Nettie repeats that Celie's two children, being raised as adopted children by Samuel and Corrine, are named Olivia and Adam. Nettie promises to take care of these children in Celie's absence.
It is saddening to think that Celie receives confirmation that her children are alive many years after Nettie arrives in the Reverend's home—but at least she is able to find out at all.
Themes
God and Spirituality Theme Icon
Men, Women, and Gender Roles Theme Icon
Violence and Suffering Theme Icon
Self-Discovery Theme Icon