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Letter 77
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Color Purple, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
God and Spirituality
Race and Racism
Men, Women, and Gender Roles
Violence and Suffering
Self-Discovery
Summary
Analysis
Celie goes back to Georgia, from Memphis, to visit Harpo and Sofia, who are having arguments, just like old times, although they appear to have settled into a stable relationship (it is unclear if this relationship is still romantic). Celie asks about Suzie Q., who is doing well in school, and Henrietta, another of Harpo's children, who is, according to Harpo, a troublesome child.
Harpo and Sofia have recommenced their disagreements, and appear, in many ways, like an old married couple. But their arguments are no longer as violent, and they both, in their middle age, have mellowed toward one another—they do not beat each other as they once did.
Themes
Celie reports to Harpo and Sofia that, in Memphis, Grady and Squeak have been smoking large amounts of marijuana together, which Grady grows behind Shug's house. Celie has brought some with her, and the four of them smoke it. Celie then attends the funeral of Sofia's mother, and finds that, on this visit to Georgia, she feels happier, and even more affection toward Harpo and Sofia.
Celie does not depend on marijuana for excitement or happiness the way Grady and Squeak seem to. Celie just likes the feeling of smoking it every now and again. More important are Celie's feelings about being back in Georgia—as she feels better about herself, she is better able to connect with her old home and the people in her life.
Themes
