The Destruction of Self and the Establishment of Wonder.

"You better not...of these children." pg.1



Walker begins the passage with an italicized quote, speaking of keeping matters quiet and only telling them to G-d. This has an incredibly significant effect on the entire passage. It introduces an element of secrecy, importance and drama to the what is about to happen along with an element of wonder, wondering what can't be spoken of, wonder of what had occurred. Furthermore at the beginning of the passage Walker crosses out the words "I am" this alters not only the passage, but the entire novel as a whole in a significant way. It destroys what power of self Celie had from the very beginning, by destroying the idea that she could be something. By doing this Walker reinforces the idea of the lack of power Celie has an African American woman. Furthermore by crossing out "I am" Walker establishes this idea of self loathe that Celie has for herself expressing the idea that Celie has no possession over her own life.