Reading Assignment 1- Letters 1-21 (through page 42)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9.

To whom does Celie, our narrator, address her letters? Why? What rationale does Celies father give for abusing her? What does Celie mean when she says she is big? How many times has Celie given birth? Who is the father? What does Celie believe has happened to her babies? What gender(s) are they? Who is Mr___? What do we know about him? Celies father refuses to let Nettie marry Mr., but says he can marry Celie. How does Celies father describe her to Mr.? While Mr. is looking Celie over, Pa tells the little brother that Your sister thinking bout marriage (11). What is ironic about this? What does Celie discover about her daughter? How does she make this discovery?

10. Why does Mr. tell Celie that Nettie has to leave the house? 11. What does Nettie promise Celie she will do? 12. Describe the state of Celies marriage to Mr. Is it wedded bliss? Is she treated better than she was in her Pas home? Do the children love her? Does she love them? Is she happy? 13. Who is Shug Avery? How does Celie learn of her and why is she intrigued? 14. Who is Sofia? Why does she get pregnant? Who is the father? 15. Compare Sofia and Celie.

16. Describe the state of Harpo and Sofias marriage in the beginning. How and why does this change? 17. Why is Celie jealous of Sofia and how does this affect her judgment?