The Color Purple Post-Quiz

In The Color Purple, how to Sophia and Celie switch roles?

• They don't

• Sophia becomes more aggressive and Celie becomes more obedient

• Celie becomes more aggressive and Sophia becomes more obedient

Answer explanation

Following Sophia's time in prison, we see Sophia become more quiet and reserved. She even says in order for her to survive she had to think like "Ms. Celie". Celie becomes enraged about Albert's letter hiding and comes to act more aggressively towards him for it, which is closer to Sophia's typical behavior.

Fonzo is Celie and Nettie's father.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It is discovered in a letter from Nettie that Fonzo is their step dad. Their real dad owned the land and the shop there, but was lynched.

Who does Celie love?

• Mister

• Harpo

• Shug Avery

Answer explanation

From the beginning, Celie is infatuated with everything that is Shug Avery. She goes as far as to let her live in her house, take her room, eat her food, and sleep with hr husband.

What makes Celie angry with Mister?

• He hid Nettie's letters

• He makes advances on Shug

• He hits Celie

Answer explanation

It is discovered that Albert has been hiding all of Nettie's letters from Celie after he told Nettie she'd never hear from her sister. Before this, Celie was worried Nettie was dead, as it had been decades since they had last spoken.

Nettie dies on the ship ride back home.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Shug hears about a ship going down in the ocean that Nettie may have been on. Celie doesn't believe it as she keeps getting Nettie's letter. Eventually Nettie shows up at the new house to see Celie.

Why is Celie writing to God?

• To cope

• Because she is angry at God

• Because she thinks he will help

Answer explanation

Celie uses her journal as therapy. It gives her a moment of real agency, where she can say what she thinks and feels without and consequence.

What does Celie say when people tell her she has to "fight"?

• "I'm trying."

• "I can't."

• "I'm just trying to survive."

Answer explanation

When Celie is met with this by both Sophia and Nettie, she tinks about how she is just trying to survive and get through this life.

Celie kisses Shug Avery.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Celie and Shug Avery are shown to have an extensive relationship throughout the novel. It is ever developing, going from a hate/love relationship to an outward sexual relationship.

What does Celie tell Harpo to do to make Sophia more like her?

• Treat her right

• Love her

• Beat her

Answer explanation

Harpo wants Sophia to be more obedient like Celie is. Mister tells him to beat her, and so does Celie. It ultimately bites him, has Sophia leaves him.

Mister becomes a decent person.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

At the end of the novel, when Celie comes back to visit, Albert actually has done a lot of self reflection. He cooks, cleans, and sews. They become friends bonding over their love for Shug Avery