The Color Purple Study Questions

Celie's old home looks dilapidated and rundown when Shug takes her to visit her Pa there.

• It is pristine and well-maintained

• It is dilapidated and rundown

• It is modest but charming

• It is bustling with activity

Celie's Pa explained that he has been more successful with running a business and becoming a wealthy black man than her real father. Which of the following best summarizes what he did differently?

• He gave the white business owners half of the profits.

• He hired a young white boy to work in the store.

• He did both: gave the white business owners half of the profits and hired a young white boy to work in the store.

• He did not change anything.

Nettie finally convinces Corrine that Celie is the mother of Adam and Olivia, and that the two of them had met once a long time ago by referencing their forgotten previous encounter.

• By showing her the fabric in the quilt that she bought when she met Celie in town.

• By presenting undeniable DNA evidence.

• By showing a handwritten letter.

• By explaining a detailed family tree.

What happens to Corrine?

Select the concise reason why Celie doesn't write to God anymore.

• Because now she is writing to Nettie. She is losing her faith in God

• Because she lost her ability to write.

• Because she found a new way to communicate her feelings.

• Because she was instructed by someone else.

Shug teaches Celie that God is...

• a traditional male figure

• present in all things

• only in churches

• absent

How does Mr. react when he learns Shug is leaving and is planning to take Celie with her.

• He says "over my dead body"

• He is pleased

• He is indifferent

• He is excited

Celie surprises everyone at the dinner table by doing this:

• She sings a song.

• She stabs Mr. in the hand.

• She serves an unusual dish.

• She tells a secret.

Indicate who else is leaving with Shug to go to Tennessee.

• Celie

• Sofia

• Nettie

• Squeak

The person who offers to take care of Suzy Q (Harpo and Squeak’s daughter) while Squeak goes north to sing is:

• Harpo

• Squeak

• Suzy Q

• Sofia