Out Of The Trap Of Race And Gender: A Study Of The Black Female Characters In The Color Purple From The Perspective Of Lefebvre’s Triad Space Theory

Alice Walker has been deemed one of the most influential black female writers in American literature since the 1970 s.Her works cover a wide range of genres and pay heed to many social issues.She has a passion for African-American culture,lays the foundation for African-American literature and promoting African-American culture.Since its publication in 1982,Walker‘s masterpiece The Color Purple has not only become a popular best seller in the United States but also won three prestigious awards: the Pulitzer Prize,the National Book Award and the National Book Critic Circle Award.At present,many scholars at home and abroad interpret The Color Purple from the perspective of feminist and narrative strategy.However,there is a lack of comprehensive comments on the space of black female characters and the nature behind the space in the novel from the perspective of space theory.Based on the previous studies and Lefebvre‘s triad space theory,this thesis uses a way of close reading to attempt to analyze the living conditions of black women in the physical space and social space,the oppression and living difficulties of black women are vividly reflected and the features which repression of physical space and suffocation of social space are embodied.Under the joint action of physical space and social space,a psychological space with subjective experience and dynamic response is formed.The purpose is that after experiencing tragic encounters,the positive,harmonious and optimistic spiritual strength of black women gathered by three-stage efforts which are self-awakening,the growth of black men and building a new community of harmonious human relationship encourage black women to reclaim the barren psychological space and finally get out of the trap of race and gender.The feature of psychological space is inclusive.This thesis uses Lefebvre‘s triad space theory to interpret the novel and strives to explore the cultural,historical and social significance behind the spaces in The Color Purple from a new perspective,which helps readers understand the author‘s creative intention and cultural position.Meanwhile,it also tries to encourage and enlighten modern people to strenuously find their own value despite suffering,and to have a passion for life with full enthusiasm and positive and optimistic attitude.