Character Analysis: Shug Avery

Shug Avery: A Pioneering Feminist When analyzing literature from the lens of a feminist critic, The Color Purple offers valuable insight. Walker focuses on various aspects of feminism through her portrayal of Shug Avery. Invested in her career, Shug is economically independent, never relying on men to provide. In addition, she is matter-of-fact, insisting that others around her respect and acknowledge her ideas rather than allowing them to ignore her because of normalized gender roles. Along with other characters in this novel, Shug incites Celie to find pride in her feminine identity, leave an abusive situation, and discover her agency. Shug, a pioneering feminist, gives an example of personal establishment apart from men, and she encourages

In the textbook Literary Criticism, Bressler states, “women must define themselves and articulate their roles, their values, their aspirations, and their place in society” (160). The ideals of feminism are encompassed in the hearts of strong women, and Shug exemplifies this strength. Described as “The Queen Honeybee”, Shug advocates for this feminist cause because she follows her dreams as a singer (Walker 25). She also demonstrates individual economic success when she purchases a car for herself and her husband, Grady; therefore, she rejects the typical role of a male “breadwinner” (Walker 107). Furthermore, Bressler describes how men have attempted to control and dominate women for years (147). Shug resists this discrimination when Albert tries to assert his dominance in a situation and she retorts, “Why any woman give a shit what people think is a mystery to me” (Walker 199). Shug’s aggressive words support the feminist mindset; she will not tolerate his behavior and will take pride in her

In Literary Criticism, Bressler writes, “Beauvoir insists that women must see themselves as autonomous beings” (150). All women deserve independent identities. Embodying the tenets of feminism, Shug insists that Celie find joy in her body by commenting, “What, too shame even to go off and look at yourself? And you look so cute too, she say, laughing” (Walker 77). Shug influence’s Celie to explore her body for personal pleasure, not for the sexual preferences of Mr. ____ (Walker 76-77). Feminine autonomy also surfaces when Shug helps Celie find the agency to leave the abusive Mr. ____ and accompany her to Tennessee, which leads Celie to more opportunities (Walker 198). Feminism also argues that the world should have “rational people who can contribute to their societies and their world” (Bressler 159). Females are invaluable to society, and Shug is a vessel for Celie’s contributions because she helps Celie start her own small business, providing a route for economic independence; therefore, Celie simultaneously contributes to society and embraces her womanhood because of Shug’s sage encouragement (Walker