Annotated Bibliography for The Color Purple

Clarke, C. V. (2015). Alice Walker Owns Her Truth. Black Enterprise, 46(5), 42-43.

In this compilation of 2015 interviews with Alice Walker, renowned author of A Color Purple, Walker discussed current issues in regards to the relevance of her novel. Walker addresses the role of ignorance in feminism, taking the stance that women need to be aware of male attempts to control female physicality and sexuality. She emphasizes the importance of women in sisterhood discussing these issues with each other and taking ownership of them. Walker also touches on intersectionality of feminism and race issues, discussing the necessity of female black movements. This is a primary source, as it contains only a brief, unbiased introduction and a transcript of the interview. A primary source can be appropriate in Wikipedia only if the contributor does not provide original research—in using this source I would be careful to cite direct facts without adding my own analysis. This document would most useful in developing a more thorough biography of Walker and her opinions. It has been published in “Black Enterprise” and accurately represents Walker’s views.

2. Hankinson, S. L. (1997). From Monotheism to Pantheism: Liberation from Patriarchy in Alice Walker's The Color Purple. Midwest Quarterly, 38(3), 320-328.

In Hankinson’s article addressing the connection between the patriarchal and religious prevalence in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Hankinson dissects the establishments of male dominance in the novel primarily through quotations of well-known authors and literary figures. Jenkins explains the theory that by the Christian God, a male-represented presence, being the primary oppressor in the main character, Celie’s, queer identity the patriarchy is repressing lesbianism. Referencing many other theorists, Jenkins aligns Celie’s religious transformation throughout the novel with her acceptance of her sexual identity and new ability to speak her mind to men. These issues relate directly to the themes discussed in the Wikipedia page, and could add contribution to these sections or develop a new one focused on religion and sexuality. This source is reliable because it was published in Midwest Quarterly, a reputable journal. It contains accurate and relevant quotes from scholars in the literary field. The material is presented in an unbiased form.

3. Jenkins, C. M. (2002). QUEERING BLACK PATRIARCHY: THE SALVIFIC WISH AND MASCULINE POSSIBILITY IN ALICE WALKER'S THE COLOR PURPLE. Modern Fiction Studies, 48(4), 969.

In Jenkins’s extended essay regarding queerness, black culture, the patriarchy, and how they intersect, Jenkins evaluates several components of Alice Walker’s novel, Spielberg’s film adaptation, and the public’s response. Using quotes from the novel and excerpts from other journal articles, Jenkins dissects the ways in which Walker breaks down heteronormativity, particularly within the black family structure. Detailing the black patriarchy and tendency of that community to reject queer culture, Jenkins presents a holistic view of the issues Walker addresses. This piece will be relevant for my Wikipedia article because it directly discusses black culture and queer representation in The Color Purple, two themes addressed on Wikipedia. This article is reliable because it is unbiased, published by a reputable source (MFS Modern Fiction Studies), and acknowledges all points of view on controversial matters.