Celie instantly falls in love with Shug as soon as she meets her. She even labels her mother “She’s more beautiful than my mama”. It is clear that Shug is very important to Celie, and she often compares her with her mother. The picture is so beautiful that she starts to dream about Shug. And now, every night I wake up dreaming about Shug Avery. These descriptions were the start of Celie’s obsession and desire to be with Shug. Celie is enjoying sex and Mr. Nettie thinks of Nettie and her safety, but Shug has sex and Mr. Celie says she knows what Shug does to Nettie and may like it. I wrapped my arms around him.” Celie becomes influenced and enjoys Shug’s company. Celie learns that “Shug will be coming to town!” but Mr. Shug is traveling alone. Celie decides to follow her lead and says, “Lord, Lord, I want so badly to go.” To not dance. Drink no alcohol You should not play cards. Shug is too good to sing. “I just be thankful that she was there,” which indicates her desperateness to see Shug in flesh and not only in dreams.
Celie hears Shug’s story and is sad that no one wants to take Shug in. To yell. You can come in. Celie, may God bless you, will make your health a reality. Celie doesn’t care if Shug is criticized. Her thoughts are all about Shug. Celie’s maternal instincts also show in this scene. Nettie thinks Celie is a mother, just like Celie. Celie now has a clearer picture of Shug and Celie. She no longer needs to fantasize about her. Celie is also shocked to see that Shug expresses sexual thoughts. Celie looks up at Shug and compares her to Shug. The quote confirms that Celie and Shug are in a one-sided sexual relationship. Shug is unaware of Celie’s feelings, while Celie is totally enamored by Shug.
Celie and Shug develop a closer relationship when Shug records a Celie song, while Celie does Shug’s haircut. Shug then says that Celie inspired him to write the song. You help me scratch my head. Celie receives Shug’s attention for the first time. This shows Shug starting to consider Celie a friend. Celie shares her happiness with Shug after she has spent time together sewing cloths. This is Celie’s first experience with Shug in her life and shows her being closer to Shug. Celie is also beginning to build her identity.
Celie begins to question the practicality/normality of her love for Shug as she realises both her and her husband Mr are in love with Celie, leading Celie to be “confuse”. Celie notices that Shug and Celie are in love. This was not a common thing. Celie sings Shug a song to change her mood. Celie then responds with, “First-time somebody made something and named me after it.” Celie is content and happy because Shug has shown her that he cares about her more then anyone.
Shug becomes Celie’s maternal figure when Shug tries to protect Celie from Mr. Shug insists that she won’t leave until Albert has stopped thinking about beating her. Shug is now attempting to protect Celie as she did before her arrival.
