What is the historical context in the book The Color Purple from the author's point of view?

Question

I have to do a book report that is worth 500 points. The historical context alone is worth 50pts. It is then divided into two parts: A) From the author's perspective in the book and B) From time period in history.

Answer 1

The story takes place in Georgia. It begins at the turn of the century and racism is still very much alive and well. Black Americans were in a transtitional state and were still trying to figure out where they fit into society. Women especially were struggling with this, as seen with the main character, Celie. In my personal opinion, gender relations were difficult because of a trickle-down effect. Black men were mistreated by white men and women...they came home and took out their frustration on the only people they could: black women. Each woman in the book had her own personal fight to prove that they are indeed human beings: Celie, Nettie, Sophia, Shug... In the Northern states, women's sufferage was getting under way, but it was not a reality for black women in the South. They were fighting just to survive. The women were still, in a lot of ways, in slavery. The masters were their husbands.
As far as the author's perspective is concerned, Walker grew up in rural Georgia, where the novel takes place. She worked dilligently during the civil rights movement in order to fight for change. She fought not just for blacks, but for black women as well. She has first-hand experiences with double discrimination: being black and being a woman.
I hope that helps!
Good luck on your paper!

Answer 2

The Color Purple Historical Context

Answer 3

Thank you for the answers everyone <3

Answer 4

very interesting question