Complex Relationships 3

In this novel, there are so many different relationships interwoven into the story. Celie writes letters to God in the beginning, she then starts writing to Nettie for the remainder of the novel. Celie feels like the only happiness she has ever known came into her life when she met Shug. Even before Nettie left, they were under the burden of living with their stepfather, who mistreated and used them for his own selfish purposes. Celie feels no love for her father, and her feelings for her own children are complicated because she never had the opportunity to get to know them. Later in the story, when she learns they are alive and with Nettie, she is extremely happy; however, while Adam and Olivia are a part of her, she feels the disconnect of them being raised by someone else. Therefore, her relationships with her family members are nearly nonexistent, save Nettie, and her relationship with her husband is a drudgery. Celie does not love him, his children run wild, and Celie lives like a stranger/servant in her own home--having no life of her own. When Mr. ____ tells Celie that Nettie is no longer welcome, Nettie leaves, sad only that she has to leave her sister in such a hopeless situation. She says, "I sure hate to leave you here with these rotten children. Not to mention with Mr. _____. It's like seeing you buried." Celie tells her, "Never mine, never mine, long as I can spell G-o-d i got somebody along." Celie did not necessarily feel a strong connection to God; however, she knew that she wasn't really all alone because God was there.