In Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," the speaker reflects on the condition of a woman whose illness surpasses that of the speaker's late mother. This commentary suggests a deep understanding of suffering and resilience, raising questions about the nature of survival amidst adversity.
The contrast between vulnerability and evil highlights a complex relationship between the two women. While the sick woman embodies pain, her malevolence provides her with a certain vitality that keeps her alive, suggesting that there are different forms of strength in the face of hardship.