The Color Purple Character Analysis

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The Color Purple: Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs From birth Celie was not given a chance to have an easy climb to the top of Maslow’s ladder of needs. As a child her basic physiological needs were stripped from her by Pa as she quickly become a victim of his abuse, physically and emotionally. Pa belittled Celie and Nettie as deprived them of meaningful relationships and an opportunity to receive an education. After Pa gave Celie to Mr.___, she now was in a relationship that provided her the basic needs that she could use to survive, but she still lacked any kind of intimacy or meaning in her relationship. Although Celie felt no love for Mr.___, she instead found love in Shug Avery, “ Nobody ever love me, I say. She say, I love you, Miss …show more content…

In the beginning of the novel Mr.___ is unable to reach the top of Maslow’s ladder because he has no respect for others in his life and he fails to reach self-respect as he unable to contribute anything beneficial to his community. After Celie gains the courage to leave Albert and follow her heart to join Shug in Memphis, he changes the way he has been acting. Once Celie returns Albert is a different person, “He out there in the field from sunup to sundown. And clean that just like a woman. Even cooks, says Harpo. And what more, wash the dishes when he finished” (Walker 225.) Albert reaches the top level in Maslow’s pyramid when he realizes that he can do all of the things he has been pushing on others for years. This allows him to feel as though he is fulfilling his life’s meaning. “I’m satisfied this the first time I ever lived on Earth as a natural man. It feel like a new experience” (Walker 264). Mr.___ reaching self-actualization is what allows his friendship with Celie to have a chance to grow, as he sees her as more of an equal and not a servant created just to please

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