Authors :
Yashasvi Gupta
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 11 - November
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3vbd5f2
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7470946
Abstract :
This study aims to describe the subconscious
loss of self of women through literature. The research used
the descriptive qualitative method, Murray Bowen’s
‘Family theory’ and ‘Theory of Differentiation'. The
research data is collected from dialogues and monologues
of characters in ‘The Color Purple’ novel. The research
results showed the protagonist, Celie, and Shug was in
contrast on the scale of differentiation. Shug was able to
have high levels of differentiation even in the societal setup
which constantly demeaned and oppressed her, but Celie
gave in and accepted her fate. Celie’s life was a series of
dysfunctional families, trauma bonds, multigenerational
oppression, and societal pressure, which lead her to have a
low level of self-differentiation thus making her misery
rigid and unendurable. She tries, from a young age, to
protect, and foster her sister which also keeps her sane and
gives her a sense of purpose but she loses herself in the
cycle of oppression.
Keywords :
Self-Differentiation, Dysfunctional Family, The Color Purple.
This study aims to describe the subconscious
loss of self of women through literature. The research used
the descriptive qualitative method, Murray Bowen’s
‘Family theory’ and ‘Theory of Differentiation'. The
research data is collected from dialogues and monologues
of characters in ‘The Color Purple’ novel. The research
results showed the protagonist, Celie, and Shug was in
contrast on the scale of differentiation. Shug was able to
have high levels of differentiation even in the societal setup
which constantly demeaned and oppressed her, but Celie
gave in and accepted her fate. Celie’s life was a series of
dysfunctional families, trauma bonds, multigenerational
oppression, and societal pressure, which lead her to have a
low level of self-differentiation thus making her misery
rigid and unendurable. She tries, from a young age, to
protect, and foster her sister which also keeps her sane and
gives her a sense of purpose but she loses herself in the
cycle of oppression.
Keywords :
Self-Differentiation, Dysfunctional Family, The Color Purple.
