Part 1 of Essay
Millions of Africans were sold into slavery by their society. After numerous generations and hard labor many African Americans recognized and cherished their ancestry. Like Nettie in The Color Purple, many lived for the moment in which they could return to their homeland -- their roots. Nettie, like so many others, real ....

Part 2 of Essay
.... Upon meeting Samuel, Nettie realized that "they are not all mean like Pa and Albert, or beaten down like Ma was." (138-139) The only man Nettie had ever had contact with were Pa and Albert; so she perceived that all men treated their wives and the women in the family like possessions to be sold to the highest bidder. For the first time in her life, Nettie met a man who, not only wanted her to learn, but also had the benefit of "a wonderful marriage" (139) based on friendship and understanding. To her gr ....