The Color Purple - Celie's Greatness

9 Pages 2158 Words

e tough times, Celie has to learn how to survive. "I don't know how to fight. I know how to do his stay alive."(18) Celie’s fight for survival leads to a decline in her self-esteem. She does not believe in herself because nobody else does, except for her sister Nettie. Nettie is the only one in the world who loves Celie, and Celie loves her just as much. In fact, she sacrifices her own body out of her unconditional love for Nettie. She allows herself to be raped by her father just so her little sister will not have to deal with that emotional pain. "I asked him to take me instead of Nettie." (8) Celie would rather suffer than watch the only one she loves get hurt. She's so used to that kind of treatment as she gives herself up for more. She really has nothing to lose, so it one extra rape or beating won't hurt her. However, what Celie does not know is that she is losing to more than she could possibly imagine. Celie lacks dignity, love for herself, and the ability to place herself equal to others. She thinks she is in unimportant object. "I make myself wood. I say to myself, Celie, you a tree. That's how come I know tree fears man." (23) Celie is afraid to stand out among her own race and gender. Because she is treated without any respect, she grows accustomed to those ways. Celie must learn to stand up for herself find her own greatness. As Harry Gray once said "No one ever achieved greatness by playing it safe" Celie is afraid to look within...