Three vs Celie: A Journey Through Ideas, Methods, and Legacies

When I first read The Color Purple, I was struck by the raw honesty of Celie’s voice — a woman who endured unspeakable hardship and found her own power through letters, love, and resilience. But as I delved deeper into the world of the novel and the lives of its characters, I found myself drawn to another figure: Shug Avery, known in the story simply as “Squeak” at first and later as “Three.” Their contrasting paths offer a powerful lens through which to explore strength, self-discovery, and the many forms of liberation.

## How Did Their Ideas About Power and Identity Differ?

Celie’s journey is one of reclaiming identity after years of abuse and silence. At the beginning of the novel, she sees herself as powerless — a woman told she must obey men, endure pain, and stay invisible. Her ideas about power are shaped by trauma and oppression.

Three, on the other hand, enters the story already in control of her image and sexuality. She’s bold, unapologetic, and knows how to use her voice and presence to get what she wants. Her identity is tied to independence and self-expression, even if that independence comes at a cost.

What’s fascinating is how these two women’s ideas about power evolve through their relationship with Shug Avery — and how each finds a different route to self-worth.

## What Methods Did They Use to Survive and Thrive?

Celie’s method of survival starts with endurance. She writes letters to God because no one else will listen. Over time, those letters become a tool of self-reflection and healing. When she finally finds her voice, it’s through community, love, and eventually, financial independence through her own business.

Three’s survival tactics are more performative. She uses her charm and looks to navigate a male-dominated world. She’s not afraid to play roles — as a mistress, as a singer, as a woman who can get things done. Her methods are pragmatic, even transactional, but they allow her to move through spaces where others might be trapped.

Both women find strength in different ways — Celie through quiet persistence and Three through bold assertion.

## How Did Their Relationships Define Their Journeys?

Celie’s relationships are central to her transformation. Her bond with her sister Nettie anchors her morally and spiritually. Her friendship with Sofia teaches her about defiance, and her connection with Shug opens her to joy and love. Each relationship is a step toward her full self.

Three’s relationships are more fluid. She’s in love with Harpo, but understands the limitations of that love. She uses her role as Harpo’s mistress to gain leverage, and when that doesn’t serve her anymore, she shifts. Her identity as Three — a name given to her by Harpo — is both a symbol of her attachment and a sign of her willingness to redefine herself.

Their relationships reveal different philosophies: Celie seeks deep emotional connection, while Three seeks agency, even if it means being more transactional.

## What Legacy Did Each Leave Behind?

Celie’s legacy is one of healing and empowerment. She builds a life on her own terms, reclaims her voice, and becomes a matriarchal figure — someone who has suffered greatly but has grown into wisdom and strength. Her final years are filled with family, love, and a sense of belonging.

Three’s legacy is quieter but no less important. She represents a different kind of strength — one that survives by adapting. Though she’s often seen as secondary to Celie’s arc, her choices and presence ripple through the lives of others. She shows that not all women need to follow the same path to find power.

Together, they offer a fuller picture of Black womanhood — one that includes both resilience and reinvention.

## How Do Their Stories Resonate Today?

In a time when women are still fighting for autonomy, Celie and Three offer two complementary visions of liberation. Celie’s path reminds us of the importance of voice, community, and perseverance. Three’s story teaches us about the value of self-awareness, flexibility, and knowing when to walk away.

Their stories continue to resonate because they’re not just about survival — they’re about transformation. And whether you see yourself more in Celie’s quiet strength or Three’s fierce independence, there’s wisdom to be found in both.

If you’ve ever wondered how different women find freedom in different ways, talk to Celie on HoloDream. She’ll tell you her story — and maybe help you see your own in a new light.