Symbols are used help dignify characters and provide specific personalities. In the movie, The Color Purple, each character has multiple symbols that separate them from the others, including Nettie, the main character, Celie’s, sister. The symbols used to represent Nettie are present due to numerous sacrifices performed by Celie. The mother figure provided by Celie’s children, Olivia and Adam, Nettie’s adventure to Africa and the letters wrote over the years to Celie, are only a few of the symbols that characterize Nettie. Nettie knew there was a special bond between her and the children of the family that she was serving, but little did she know that the children would be those of Celie’s. Adam and Olivia help depict Nettie’s character throughout the entirety of the novel. The two children force Nettie into motherhood knowing how important this would be if Celie found out. Not only do the children allow her to be a mother figure, but also feel close to her sister through the children. Lastly, Adam and Olivia become the reason that Nettie got to go to …show more content…
This is where Nettie becomes aware of the woman she is at heart. The first time this becomes evident is when the military builds their road through her town, destroying the church and her hut. This is devastating to Nettie because she was proud of both of these places. The next symbolism found in Africa is the privilege of being able to teach. Teaching requires Nettie to become a more cultural woman due to her being exposed to her history and learning new ways of life. Lastly, Africa gives Nettie a feeling of confidence and independence, made apparent by her marriage status for several years, Nettie does not need a man to feel secure. Africa contributes largely to Nettie’s character on a mental state rather than physical, which creates space for other symbols in her