“It is the initial mystery of Shug’s body that awakens Celie’s own sexuality, and the intimate bond the women share brings a deep love into Celie’s life, one that anchors her independence. “What About Love?” is a long overdue benchmark in lesbian storytelling onstage, particularly for African American women and other women of color.”
Introverted Intuition (Ni) “I came into this world with God, and when I finally looked inside, I found it, just as close as my breath is to me.”
Celie looks ahead and often dreams of a better future when the present moment leaves her in an unfortunate state. She finds herself somewhat detached, often expressing her inner thoughts to the audience as an observer. Celie also looks at things beyond their surface level, such as when she falls for Shug because of their deeper connection. She later applies this to herself, finding value and beauty beyond what other people might see.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe) “With all the love alive in me, I’ll stand as tall as the tallest tree.”
Celie depends on the emotions of others in order to help her grow into an independent woman who can take charge of her own life. For much of the show, she bows to the desires of others with no care for herself. But after selflessly nursing Shug back to health, she finds that love is able to build her up and support her. Through Shug, Sofia, and Nettie, Celie grows on the feelings of others to learn how to sustain and love herself.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) “If I’m really a lily of the field, you will answer my prayer, or you’re no God at all.”
While her emotions come first, Celie uses personal logic to address the situations she finds herself in and analyzes them through this. After Nettie is ripped away from her, Celie ends up questioning God and begins to separate herself from her faith until Shug changes her mind in “The Color Purple.” She shows how she can analyze people and situations in some of her digressions in the “Dear God” songs. Celie gradually gains independence and strength throughout the show, finding that she can assert her personal thoughts and individuality.
Extroverted Sensing (Se) “Is that me who’s floating away? Lifted up to the clouds by a kiss, never felt nothin’ like this.”
Celie doesn’t spend much time basking in the present moment, finding that much of it is unfulfilling or uncomfortable to her. Until she begins to understand her sexuality after meeting Shug, she does not find any pleasure in sex or find herself craving it. Celie is often called ugly by many of the people surrounding her, but she doesn’t care much about her outward appearance and learns to love her own beauty. Outer appearances matter little to Celie - instead, she focuses on what lies underneath to connect to others.
