At the beginning
of the novel Celie is solely permitted to wear dresses and skirts. Pants were
seen as exclusively male
attire. However, during the course of “The
Colour Purple” Celie gains both personal and financial
independence. Consequently, closer to the end of the novel Celie wears a pair
of pants. At this time she has opened her own clothing business and has moved
out of the house she was living in with Mr. ___. This symbolizes how she now
has her own independence. She is no longer in Mr. ___’s control and has the
freedom to be with who she pleases, as well as live a life without fear.
Furthermore, the author uses this cases of symbolism to connect the theme of character change with the plot line. Celie's character develops throughout the plot, and her use of pants symbolizes her development, which adds a deeper meaning to this article of clothing. |
Pants = Celies independence Pants are a good example of how the author uses symbolism: Moreover, the use of pants represents Celie’s financial independence. Now that Celie has her own business and makes money for herself, she has financial independence and does not need to rely on a man. As aforementioned, at the time the novel was written; men ordinarily wore pants and were also the ones to be in control of finances. Thus, wearing pants is symbolic of her possession of financial stability and personal freedom that she lacked for so many years. Additionally, the pants symbolize Celie breaking out of the typical gender stereotype. They signify a change in sexism and patriarchy, which were present during this time. "What I need pants for? I say. I ain’t no man." – “The Colour Purple” Page 146. |