In the movie Color Purple, does bringing celie's family from africa signify mista really loved celie?

Answer 1

I don't think Mister ever came to love Celie, but if you recall, she basically cursed him when she left, telling him nothing good would ever happen for him till he did right by her.

Mister's life totally fell apart after she left, and I think he finally came to the realization that he treated her poorly and she deserved better. It was his way of making amends for all the bad things he did to her, and possibly a way to save his own soul.

That's how I interpret it.

Polly

Answer 2

Celie left Mistah. The family came home from Africa, because Celie's sister had been writing to Celie all along, and when the missionary's wife died, he remarried to Celie's sister. She returned home to Celie from Africa, after having fulfilled a long missionary service, with a husband and step-kids. Mistah didn't have anything to do with their return, except letting Celie have her sister's letters. 25 years' worth.

Mistah gave up the letters, which were the last 'hold' he had over Celie. It wasn't because he loved her, but because he knew he had lost her regardless. She became too confident, and learnt to be independent. He couldn't crush her any more. I think he was also old, tired, and had lost interest in trying to control Celie.

Love? No. They made a sort of peace with each other, by the end. They were used to each other. They had kids together. Celie had been with him her whole life. But she had to break away, before they could come together in any way.

I strongly recommend the book, over the Spielberg-sanitised film.

Answer 3

No. But he did realize that he was the reason they were kept apart and he knew he owed her and it was the least he could do for Celie and Nettie.