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Worksheet on The Color Purple

English
Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A worksheet covering The Color Purple - Racism & Sexism for Grade 8 students, focusing on the historical setting.

Topics covered:

#English
#Literature Analysis
#The Color Purple
#Racism & Sexism

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Worksheet on The Color Purple

Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
Name:
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Grade 8
A

Introduction and Context

Scene Summary and Context Guide: The Color Purple, set in the early 20th century American South, depicts the struggles of African American women facing pervasive racism and sexism. During this period, segregation laws enforced racial divides, and societal norms often marginalized women, especially Black women, both socially and economically. Alice Walker’s narrative explores these challenges through the lives of her characters, highlighting their resilience amidst systemic oppression. The story reflects the historical realities of sharecropping, limited educational opportunities, and gender roles that confined women to subservient positions. The protagonists often confront discrimination in their personal relationships and community life, revealing the intersectionality of race and gender during this era. The quote 'You black, you ugly, you a woman, and you a child,' exemplifies the harsh language used to devalue Black women, illustrating the societal attitudes of the time. This context helps us understand the characters' experiences and the author’s critique of social injustice.

1.
What historical factors contribute to the depiction of racism and sexism in The Color Purple?
[2 marks]
2.
Explain how the societal attitudes of the early 20th century are reflected in the quote 'You black, you ugly, you a woman, and you a child.'
[2 marks]
B

Analysis of Literary Techniques

The narrative often employs vivid imagery to depict oppression, such as 'the sun beating down on the dusty roads where Black women worked tirelessly.' Additionally, metaphors like 'chains of tradition' symbolize societal constraints. Dialogue frequently reveals tone and character relationships, exemplified by the harsh words: 'You black, you ugly, you a woman, and you a child.'

1.
Identify and explain the metaphor present in the phrase 'chains of tradition'.
[2 marks]
2.
What literary device is used in the phrase 'the sun beating down on the dusty roads,' and what effect does it create?
[2 marks]
C

Critical Reflection

Analyze how the historical setting of the early 20th century influences the characters' experiences with racism and sexism in The Color Purple. Use examples from the story to support your arguments.

Write a short essay responding to the prompt.
1.
In your essay, consider how societal norms and laws of the time shape the characters' lives and interactions.
[5 marks]
D

Creative Response

Your piece should reflect the struggles and resilience of characters facing racism and sexism during the historical period.

Compose a short narrative or poem inspired by the themes of The Color Purple, focusing on resistance against oppression.
1.
Create a poem or short story that illustrates a moment of resistance or hope in the face of societal oppression.
[5 marks]
E

Discussion and Reflection

Reflect on the impact of historical setting on the narrative and characters. Consider how understanding this context changes your perception of the story.

Answer the following questions to deepen your understanding.
1.
How does knowing the historical context of segregation and gender roles influence your interpretation of the characters' actions and attitudes?
[2 marks]
2.
Discuss how historical injustices depicted in the story relate to contemporary issues of racism and sexism.
[2 marks]

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Details

Created
12/31/2025
Updated
12/31/2025
Type
worksheet
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