The Power of Women in the Color Purple Despite the odds, women can overcome all obstacles. In the past, women have struggled desperately because they were belittled by men. They were considered ignorant beings who only knew how to handle household chores. In The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, sexism was related in the novel. Throughout history, several women were extremely mistreated by men. Their experiences were considered trivial because they were always subordinate to them. Through the collection of letters written by Celie, the reader can see the development of a frightened young woman who had little regard for herself and another, Shug, who struggled to become a successful woman. In fact, Celie almost fought for her happiness. all your life. When she was just a little girl, her stepfather sexually abused her. Then he sold her to a man named Mr. ____ who had no intention of loving her, “It doesn't matter what I think. It doesn't matter what I feel. It's really him” (Walker 69). Mr. ____ abused her verbally and physically. He expected her to handle all the household chores and asked her to take care of his children, “They look at me there dealing with Mr.____'s children” (Walker 45). If Celie refused, she was punished. Through all these traumatizing events, Celie has lost self-respect and forgotten how to love. His life was full of darkness without a single trace of light. However, Celie met a woman named Shug who gave her the courage to fight for what she believed in. Shug taught her to laugh and play and showed Celie a whole new perspective on life. Shug constantly reminded Celie to speak up if something was bothering her and not to do anything she didn't feel like doing, "...say whatever comes to mind, forget about politeness" (Walker 75). Celie was no longer afraid of Mr. ____. He stopped doing housework and left home to start his own business: “You are a dishonest dog, that's what's wrong. It's time to leave yourself and enter Creation. And your corpse is just the welcome mat I need” (Walker 207). She realized that women don't need men to survive because they can do it on their own. Celie was a brand new woman. Furthermore, Shug was a powerful and successful woman. She was a desirable, creative and intelligent blues singer.