Addressing Bisexuality, Gender Non Conformance and Performativity through The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on the knowledge of bisexual relationships that occurred in the early 1900s regardless of the sexual and racial oppression of the time period. Though this paper is based off a novel/musical, it is considered historical fiction and much of the writing within the piece is truthful. I believe that through art and literature we are able to experience and view the human experience through a greater lens. The Color Purple, by Alice Walker and adapted for stage by Marsha Norman, walks us through the relationships our main character, Celie, is involved in and evolves through. During the story we see some women completely dismiss gender norms and shape their village as they see it fit. The audience sees many facets of her trauma and how her life events affected her attraction and affection towards certain relationships, but most importantly, the relationship she has with herself.