Celie is a poor black woman whose letters tell the story of 20 years of her life, beginning at age 14 when she is being abused and raped by her father and attempting to protect her sister from the same fate, and continuing over the course of her marriage to "Mister," a brutal man who terrorizes her. Celie eventually learns that her abusive husband has been keeping her sister's letters from her and the rage she feels, combined with an example of love and independence provided by her close friend Shug, pushes her finally toward an awakening of her creative and loving self.

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Color Purple (Fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Color Purple:

• Did Alice Walker emphasize any specific themes throughout The Color Purple? What do you think Alice Walker is trying to explain with this theme?
• What was unique about the setting of The Color Purple and how did it affect the storyline?
• Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
• How do characters change or learn throughout The Color Purple? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
• How does The Color Purple reveal Alice Walker's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Alice Walker is liberal or conservative.
• Did certain parts of The Color Purple affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
• Did Alice Walker's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?

Suggested Book Club Questions for The Color Purple (Non-fiction)

The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on The Color Purple:

• Did Alice Walker make persuasive arguments in The Color Purple? Did The Color Purple change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
• What did you learn from The Color Purple?
• How does Alice Walker present the information and did you enjoy it?
• How is Alice Walker biased within The Color Purple? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
• What, if anything, does The Color Purple make you want to read next? Why?