How does Alice Walker depict oppression in her novel 'The Color Purple'

Throughout history, the roles of men and women have been shaped by the community where they have found themselves living. Traditionally, women are considered to be fragile and dependent whilst men have always been valued for their dominance and independence. Alice Walker in her masterpiece, "the Color Purple' reflects her female characters in the context of fighting against oppression of the patriarchy through both conscious and unconscious acts: both emotionally and physically. The protagonist within this novel, Celie is subject to discrimination and abuse: as she slowly fights against her otherwise predestined life being an oppressed woman of colour in a male dominated world. Alice Walker particularly illuminates female solidarity as a slow revolution that eventually freed Celie to live an independent life, by defying patriarchal tyranny. The primary female figures in this novel are aware of the fact that economical independence paves the way for self-esteem, thus helping them to overcome the solid barriers that restrain female capabilities. This novel highlights what females can do through strong collaboration and unity.