Shirley Chisholm once claimed, “The emotional, sexual, and psychological stereotyping of females begins when the doctor says, ‘It 's a girl.’” Throughout history, women have been told that they are not smart enough, pretty enough, or strong enough to do what is classified as “male work”. In more traditional environments, women are expected to hold certain jobs such as nursing or cleaning. The possibility to obtain the more “advanced jobs” such as a doctor or a lawyer was unsubstantial. This harsh stereotyping enables women to capitulate to their male counterparts causing the oppression of women. The theme of oppression of women is exemplified in the novels The Color Purple and Fried Green Tomatoes. Both novels illustrate a woman who weak, due to the oppression by males, undergo a metamorphosis into an impregnable woman with assistance. Thus, in the novels The Color Purple and …show more content…
Although the main characters lack self-confidence early on, through the guidance of a potent mentor, they are able to develop into empowered women.
Initially, both Celie and Evelyn exemplify the archetypal character of the oppressed by their unwillingness of speaking up for themselves. As a result, both Celie and Evelyn struggle to perceive themselves as actual human beings but instead view themselves as objects. This comprehension authorizes the oppressive characters to inflict further agony. In The Color Purple, Celie extreme oppression by the patriarchal males in her life forces her to not have respect for herself or other women. Alice Walker, depicts Celie as a young girl who is oblivious that what is happening to her is amiss. She is constantly told she is ugly and not good enough. These statements allow her to be raped, bullied, and prevented from having