The Color Purple Study Guide (Pages 81–118)

📍 Key Plot Points

• Harpo’s Juke Joint Fight

  • Event: Sofia visits Harpo’s juke joint with her boyfriend and kids.

  • Conflict: Squeak confronts her → Sofia beats her up.

• Squeak’s Identity & Assault

  • Name: Real name is Mary Agnes.

  • Aftermath of fight: Squeak is humiliated.

  • Visit to the warden: She is sexually assaulted by her uncle, the warden.

  • Result: Begins reclaiming her identity and strength.

• Sofia’s Arrest and Jail Time

  • Reason: Refuses to be the mayor’s maid → punches the mayor after he slaps her.

  • Punishment: Severe beating, jailed for years.

  • Condition in jail: Physically injured, mentally drained, emotionally distant.

  • Survival method: Thinks of her children, holds on to anger/pride.

• Plan for Sofia’s Release

  • Involvement: Shug and Mr. __ try to use connections.

  • Squeak’s role: Asked to speak to her uncle (warden), leading to her assault.

  • Outcome: Sofia is released but forced to work as a maid anyway.

• Sofia’s Life Post-Prison

  • Irony: She ends up doing what she fought against—maid to the mayor’s family.

  • Effect: Spiritually crushed, compliance replaces defiance.

• Shug’s Christmas Surprise

  • Gift: Hidden letters from Nettie.

  • Significance: Reconnects Celie to her sister, revives hope.

• Shug & Celie’s Relationship

  • Emotional growth: Shug comforts and uplifts Celie.

  • Intimacy: They become physically and emotionally close.

  • Shug’s influence: Helps Celie find self-worth and love.

• Shug on the Blues

  • Definition: A way to express and release pain—especially from men.

  • Quote: Helps women “git man off your mind.”

🧠 Character Development

• Celie: Begins her journey to empowerment through her bond with Shug and Nettie’s letters.

• Shug: Shows a more nurturing side; encourages Celie’s self-growth.

• Sofia: From strong and defiant → beaten down by systemic racism and abuse.

• Squeak/Mary Agnes: Begins to evolve from submissive to self-aware.

✏ Key Themes

• Oppression & Resistance: Sofia’s resistance and the harsh consequences of defiance.

• Female Solidarity: Shug, Celie, Squeak, and even Sofia show sisterhood and support.

• Identity & Voice: Mary Agnes sheds “Squeak” and seeks her voice.

• Abuse of Power: The mayor, prison system, and warden's assault show systemic control.

• Hope & Rebirth: Nettie’s letters = Celie’s emotional rebirth.

📚 Possible Quiz Questions

1. What causes the fight between Squeak and Sofia?

2. How is Squeak connected to the prison warden?

3. Why is Sofia arrested, and what are the consequences?

4. What happens when Squeak goes to talk to the warden?

5. What’s ironic about Sofia’s life after getting out of jail?

6. What gift does Shug give Celie at Christmas, and why is it important?

7. How does Shug describe the purpose of blues music?

8. How does Shug support Celie’s personal growth?

9. What changes occur in Mary Agnes after her assault?