This paper examines the early feminism of the United States in 1910 as it is portrayed by Alice Walker in “The Color Purple”. This novel introduces the true meaning and significance of feminist thought. Woolf’s “A Room of One’s Own” is a critical essay that argues for the importance of social and economic freedom in a patriarchal world. This essay explores the struggle of women for independence. Keywords: Female Freedom, Early Feminism, Social Freedom, Economic Independence. Virginia Woolf said, “A female writer must be wealthy and have a private room.” ” (Woolf, Virginia. One’s own room. This is one of her most famous lines in “A room on one’s own”, where she argues in the essay that women must have social and economic freedom to succeed in society.
She describes freedom and independence in metaphorical terms as a room where women can grow and have the time and space to do so. It’s not always true, but it is often preconceived that women are less capable of contributing to science or literature. The author says “It is impossible that any woman could have written Shakespearean plays during Shakespeare’s time.” ” (Woolf, Virginia. The room that is all yours. 1929)1. Women are denied the right to live in their own rooms, and have very little opportunity to be equal members of society. Women are denied their rights and pushed into being a mother and wife. It is routinely told that they should submit to patriarchal authorities, belittle them and depend on them. The essay emphasizes the importance of freedom of choice and how it can help feminism. Virginia Woolf wrote that intellectual freedom is dependent on material goods. The freedom of the mind is essential to poetry. ” (Woolf, Virginia.
The room to oneself. 1929)1 The author suggests that without money, women would continue to be second-class citizens, being overshadowed and pushed aside by “more capable men”. The author implies that women will continue to fall behind the “more capable sex” without money. Woolf implies, however, that equality of opportunity doesn’t necessarily lead to the disappearance of gender differences. Discussion The reader will experience the pain and suffering of Celie throughout Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple”. Celie’s little autonomy, both social and economic, is traded for a life dominated by abuse and subjection at a young age. Celie’s desperation can be seen in the following quote as she becomes increasingly numb to the abuse she faces. “I’m a poor black woman who may also be ugly. I don’t know how to cook. (. . . ) But I am here. ” (Walker, Alice. The Color Purple (1929) Walkers original character portrays female oppression within a male-dominated society. Celie was forced to marry and raise her children without the support of men. Women were not allowed to get an education due to these rigid rules.
The novel also features women who are the exact opposite of Celie. Shug Avery represents the independence of Virginia Woolf in all its aspects. Shug is an independent singer, earning money as she does. Celie doesn’t. She can live without marriage and enjoy social independence. “Good that I ain’t your damned wife. “(Walker, Alice. The Color Purple (29:47)2The quoted above shows ShugAvery’s answer to Celie, Celie’s husband’s treatment of his own wife. Shug has “her own room”, and Woolf believes that this is the most important requirement. This allows her to be more expressive and outspoken. Celie’s initial reaction to Shug is one of surprise and intrigue. This attitude shows how rare independence was among women in the 1910s. Shug Avery’s independence comes with a price. Shug Avery is often judged and despised by others because of her social and professional standing. It adds another layer of difficulty to women’s struggle to become independent.
Celie’s son-in-law treats his “disobedient wife” in a similar manner. This quote shows how ironic it is that women who are abused themselves, whether through jealousy or out of fear, can be the ones to encourage other women. “Wives is like children. It’s important to show them who is in charge. A good, solid beating can achieve this. “(Walker, Alice. The Color Purple (2929)2Shug Avery’s independence may be socially and economically independent, but it will never make her as free as men. Virginia Woolf says that equality does not necessarily mean the end of male-female differences. In patriarchal societies, the changes occur slowly over time. Shug’s character is the first feminism movement. It will eventually spread and reach all women, even those who are oppressed. ConclusionHistory has shown that women’s rights can only be improved if they are economically and socially independent. The feminist movement over the years has fought to improve the social status of women. Before equality can be truly claimed between men and women, many customs and social norms need to become history.
