1. Patriarchs and Oppression in The Color Purple
The ideal role of a man or the qualities of a 'real' man would be defined by a man having a well paid job and him driving a Cadillac, and any man lacking these qualities is less of a man. In this society, the "man defines woman not in herself but as relative to him; she is not regarded as an autonomous being.... The man was the master of the house. ... She learns that a man can do anything and everything to fulfil his desires and at any cost, what the woman feels is of no importance. For Celie, her father is the first man who controls her life in any aspect. ...
- Word Count: 3403
- Approx Pages: 14
- Grade Level: High School