They're All the Same

"Mr.____ don't say nothing. I drop little spit in Old Mr.____ water." pg 54, bottom of pg.
"Crossed out The Lucky Star of Colman Road, put in Harpo's of _____ plantation." pg. 73 para 2

In the time of The Color Purple, society based itself around the names, status, and reputation of men. They were without a doubt the superior sex. More often then not, men ran the show- of the family, of towns, of cities, of the country. Alice Walker chooses to minimize not only the role of men, but also the respect associated with them. Celie's character addresses few male figures by their name; these few names (Harpo, Buster, Swain, Grady) are those which do not threaten Celie. Lacking the respect of a last name, all men are called "Mr.____" linking them all together. In Celie's case, all grown men are or have the tendency to act and perform alike. Since she gets no respect from men, as she is raped and abused on countless occasions, she seemingly sees no point in tacking on the respect of a last name. While confusing at times as to which Mr.____ is being referred to, Celie's private stubbornness in erasing last names amidst her prayers to God serves as some sort of relief to the constant abuse she takes on.