He beat me like he beat the children. Cept he don't never hardly beat them. He say, Celie, git the belt. The children be outside the room peeking through the cracks. It all I can do not to cry. I make myself wood. I say to myself, Celie, you a tree. That's how come I know trees fear man.
In the provided excerpt from "The Color Purple," the protagonist Celie reflects on her abusive experiences, comparing the treatment she receives to that of children, who rarely face the same brutality. She describes her painful reality, marked by fear and pain, as she is often commanded to fetch a belt for what feels like inevitable punishment. This situation is compounded by the trauma of being observed by the children, highlighting her helplessness. In the face of such suffering, Celie creates a mental shield by envisioning herself as a tree, a symbol of strength and resilience. This metaphor expresses her determination to endure her hardships without succumbing to despair. Through this imagery, she conveys the deep fear that comes from being subjected to violence and the struggle to maintain her identity amid oppressive circumstances. Celie's perspective illustrates the profound impact of abuse and the coping mechanisms that can develop in survivors.
