Masculine Femininity

Throughout the novel there has been a constant power struggle between the empowered and the disenfranchised. This power struggle is interesting, because, as a reader, the initial thought process is that the struggle is males vs females, however it is more of a masculine persona vs a feminine persona struggle. The inherent difference lies in the masculinity of some female characters, such as Sofia, who is slightly portrayed in the masculine archetype "I rather be out in the fields or fooling with the animals. Even chopping wood" Walker 59). On the other hand, there are people like Harpo, who struggle to assert their dominance and therefore are regarded as more feminine: "But he [Harpo] love cooking and cleaning and doing little things around the house" (Walker 59). What makes the majority of the power struggles interesting is the belief that beating your spouse is not a morale or social wrongdoing. For example, Harpo believes that physically abusing his wife is a respectable thing for to do, because "...the woman sp'ose to mind" (Walker 35). His inherent belief is that he is aiding society by ensuring that his woman is in her "rightful place". These excerpts from the book highlight how power struggles differ from the stereotypical power struggle in African American culture.

 Likewise, Albert ensures Celie stays in her place of no power by beating her for no apparent reason other than "...she my wife" (Walker 22). This is also seen after Albert's sister, Kate, tries to give power to Celie, immediately after learning Celie may receive a minute amount of power, Albert sends Kate home. This yearn to remain empowered offers insight into African American culture: Males are fearful that if they become disenfranchised, there will be no coming back. This also highlights the innate human instinct to desire power. The desire for power is perfectly exemplified by Shug's relationship with Albert-Albert does not have any power over Shug, and he would not fathom beating her. This gives Shug power, because she is more revered and respected than many other females, and perhaps even males. What is interesting about Shug and Albert's relationship is that Shug is more masculine than Celie, therefore her masculinity is directly tied with her ability to have power. Again, Sofia shows more masculinity than Celie, as well as Harpo, and she holds more power than Celie as well, not only at home but also in a social setting. By showing Albert's reluctance to allow Celie strength, Walker is saying that we, humans, do not give up power, even if it means hurting the ones we should love. Then, by showing that a woman's masculinity is tied to her power, Walker is saying that women need to be more masculine in the world's patriarchal society to have power and be successful. All encompassing, Alice Walker is saying the only way women can create a more balanced society is by taking the power of men, which can only be taken when women become more masculine.