Women's Suffering

Before reading this book, I never imagined that women suffered so much in that time period. It was sickening to know that grown men would marry underage girls or even their own father would sexually abuse them. It amazed me how Celie can be so mentally innocent while experiencing sexual and physical abuse. Celie's attitude toward this abuse was also shocking to read. When young, she was very submissive and obedient, and she had more fear than any other type of emotion. Even though, some women were free from slavery, but they were not free from slavery in a marriage.Women were seen as "servants" in the household rather than the husband's helpmate. It was also sickening to read that these men could do what they please to their wives, ,and women did not have a voice in a marriage. Celie and Nettie could not have the authority to stand up for themselves, and stop the abuse. I believed that not only do the men have to blame but also the community and churches. The community and church knew this sexual and physical abuse was going on ,but they simply ignored the problem. Literally, women were on their own in life, because no one would come to their rescue.