The Essays I wrote

Views of Names in The Color Purple (Original)

Names of characters in The Color Purple, particularly in use by other characters, are significant in not only to show how much respect the character gains, but how they impact themselves and those around them. Four character names seem to pop out and change: Celie, Albert, Shug, and Mary Agnes.

In the beginning of the novel, Nettie (and also Addie Beasley, with her one-time appearance) is the only character who does not speak to Celie demandingly or negatively. Alphonso was always ordering her around, and Mr._'s children were also very demanding. "They say Celie, I want dis. Celie, I want dat. Our Mama let us have it" (Walker 16). The first time we hear Mr._ say Celie's name, it is to say, "Celie, git the belt" (22). Mr._ is harsh, abusive, and does not value Celie, and she knows it. When Mr._'s sister is visiting, she tells him that Celie needs new dresses. Celie notes that his eyes 'say' "It need somethin?" (20). Using 'it' instead of 'she' to show dehumanization.

Mr._'s name changes similarly to how Celie's changed. Celie refers to Mr._ as such throughout almost the entire novel. At one point Celie implies that she forgot his first name, until Shug reminded her, when she says, "Who Albert, I wonder. Then I remember Albert Mr._ first name" (47). The first time Celie refers to Mr._ as Albert is when Shug asked her if she minds if Albert sleeps with her. Celie thinks, "I don't care who Albert sleep with" (76). Celie calls Mr._ how Shug calls him. In the entire book, Celie actually says "Albert" twice. (284, 287) The rest of the time she calls him Mr._. There are several theories as to why Celie never omits his last name. One is that Walker based him off a real person, and, while not including his name, still wanted readers to know that abuse and domestic degradation of woman is very real and true. Another is that Celie omits the name because she herself obtains the last name, but doesn't love Mr._ and doesn't believe that she is truly his wife; therefore, she cuts off his last name to show how she cuts off their relationship.

Shug's actual name changed. Shug Avery's real name is actually Lillie Avery. Celie says, "Lillie Shug 's real name. She just so sweet they call her Shug" (120). Shug keeps this nickname, and everybody calls her that. This may show how she chooses to be 'Shug', the Shug that everybody knows, and the Shug that is free.

Mary Agnes's name changed throughout the story as well. Mary Agnes is described by Celie as Harpo's "little yellowskin girlfriend" (80). Harpo calls her Squeak. Harpo introduces her as Squeak and treats her like a frail, dependent, and submissive girl that he dominates. Celie is the first to ask what Squeak's real name. When she finds out, she tells Mary Agnes, "Make Harpo call you by your real name" (84). Mary Agnes is shown to be stronger and have more significance than Squeak. It is shown when she stands up to Harpo and tells him to call her by her real name. Harpo waves her off, but she holds her ground. Harpo says, "Squeak, Mary Agnes, what difference does it make?" She replies, "When I was Mary Agnes I could sing in public" (203). Then Harpo submits and starts to call her Mary Agnes.

Names carry weight and significance. In The Color Purple names are changed based on the view of the character themselves and the others around them. Their respect they have for themselves and the opinions they have gathered are shown in what they are called.