Abstract:Alice Walker, an Afro-American novelist, poet, essayist, political activist, is very influential and important in contemporary American literature. She is the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. The Color Purple wins three awards, the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award for literature in America.  

The Color Purple is comprised of 92 letters written by two black women - Celie and Nettie. It records thirty years of the heroine - Celie’s life in Tennessee Georgia, the South of America, from the early 20th century to Second World War’s eve. In this novel, not only does Walker describe the black women who are oppressed by sexism and racism, but also the process of constructing their sisterhood and gaining self-consciousness. She thinks that the black women should depend on themselves and they should unite together because the individual’s power is not enough to change their fates. Black women who have the same experiences should support each other and encourage each other. 

This thesis aims to analyze how the black women, including Celie, Nettie, Shug and Sofia, transform from obedient black women to independent and confident women from the perspective of self-consciousness. The process of their awakening of self-consciousness implies the hope of all the black fighting against double oppressions and seek for the better future. What’s more, that black women can influence the black men and help them change their discrimination against women. In the end, they will become friends and establish a harmonious relationship.

Key Words: self-consciousness; the black women; oppression; awakening

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1 Introduction.1

2 The Difficult Process of the Awakening of Female Consciousness.4

   A.To Fight against Tragic Situation.5

     a. To Revolt the Patriarchy Society5

     b. To Get Rid of Racial Discrimination.8

   B. To Seek for Self-liberation and independence10

     a. To Claim for Economic Independence and Personal Freedom10

     b. To Strive for Education Equality.12

   C. To Achieve Complete Social Independence.12

3 Conclusion.14

Bibliography.16

Acknowledgements18

致谢19