The complication in the novel is almost funny, but because of the circumstances it is not. Celie’s husband brings his mistress, Shug, to their home to be nursed back to health. Instead of being angry, Celie is fascinated with the beautiful woman. This is the complete opposite reaction that Celie’s husband expects. Celie was supposed to be the victim, but with Shug around Celie isn’t forced to sleep with anyone or beaten. She is given relief. She also experiences jealousy and a desire for a relationship, but instead of having these feelings for a man she has them for a woman. This is the breaking open of Celie’s character. She sees something that she wants and works to get it. This is also the road to her freedom. Shug is the one that encourages her to pursue a new life, to leave everything behind and she also discovers all of the lies that Celie has had to live with for so long.
When Celie falls for Shug there is a break in her chains, but when Shug falls for Celie they come off completely. I can’t condone this type of relationship, but within the pages of the book, this is what gives Celie the strength to change her life. Later she is able to walk away from Shug with the promise of friendship, so it is not necessarily Shug that makes Celie strong, but it is the reminder that there is something left to fight for.
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