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In Ntozake Shange’s evocative work, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, each lady portrayed is uniquely associated with a distinct color. The significance of each lady and the colors they embody is a central theme in this remarkable literary piece. Shange employs symbols to vividly characterize each woman, linking them to specific emotions or qualities, such as passion for red, sadness for blue, and exuberance for orange.
Commencing with Lady in Red, the first color of the rainbow, the opening lines of "Graduation Nite" immediately evoke a sense of passion with her exclamation, "it was good!" (Shange, 11).
Through the poem "No Assistance" (Shange, 13), Lady in Red passionately describes her love for a man, detailing her efforts in sending packages and composing heartfelt poems. Despite her deep affection, she symbolically leaves him a plant to care for independently, signifying a release from emotional entanglements.
Shange's choice of words in the conclusion of the poem resonates with a powerful emotion—passion.
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“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”
Lady in Red emerges as a fearless individual, unafraid to express her thoughts openly and authentically.
Turning to Lady in Orange, associated with the color of festivity and joy, her character exudes a carefree and lively spirit. In the poem "I'm a Poet who," Lady in Orange expresses her desire to sing and make everyone dance. The inclusion of Willie Colon's "Che Che Cole" adds a dynamic element, igniting a dance celebration among those around her (Shange, 15).
Lady in Orange personifies the life of the party, embracing enjoyment despite potential hardships in her past.
Her ability to let go and savor the present moment characterizes her as a woman who, despite challenges, radiates positivity and exuberance.
Transitioning to Lady in Yellow, her character embodies youthful exuberance and joy. In "Graduation Nite" (Shange, 7), she proudly declares her virginity during the graduation festivities, only to whimsically concede to surrendering it by the night's end in a Buick (Shange, 10). Her actions reflect the exuberance and innocence often associated with youth, where the pursuit of fun takes precedence over consequences.
The poem suggests that the allure of newfound adulthood and the thrill of the moment may overshadow the long-term considerations, emphasizing the transient nature of youthful joy. Green, a primary color symbolizing growth, is attributed to Lady in Green. The lines "we used to do it all up in the dark in the corners…" (Shange, 10) hint at a transformative journey.
In "Somebody Almost Walked off Wid Alla My Stuff," Lady in Green embarks on a quest for her own identity, fervently expressing, "now why dont you put me back & let me hang out in my own self" (Shange, 49). This poignant line encapsulates her desire for independence and self-realization. Lady in Green no longer wishes to be entangled with others but seeks a return to her authentic self.
Her narrative mirrors the universal struggle of women who, having lost themselves in relationships, strive to reclaim their individuality. Shange skillfully illustrates the transformative power of self-discovery and growth through Lady in Green's story.
Lady in Blue, associated with the color of sadness, grapples with complex emotions. In the poem "Now I Love Somebody More Than," she recounts her deep love for Willie Colon, who disappointingly fails to appear at a dance marathon. Despite the heartbreak, Lady in Blue remains steadfast in her affection.
In "Latent Rapist," Shange delves into the difficulty of pursuing charges against a friend, echoing the societal challenges faced by women in cases of betrayal and assault. Lady in Blue becomes a poignant representation of women who experience profound sadness, disappointment, and betrayal in their relationships.
With purple symbolizing royalty and comprising a blend of red and blue, Lady in Purple encapsulates a fusion of passion and sadness. In "Latent Rapist," Shange's character in purple confronts the harsh reality with lines such as "a lil dick" (Shange, 18) and "expect like a stranger we always thot waz comin" (Shange, 19), conveying a mix of anger and disillusionment.
Yet, amid the turmoil, Shange injects a sense of strength as Lady in Purple asserts, "we must have known … especially if he has been considered a friend" (Shange, 20). This resilience symbolizes the inner strength within every woman, highlighting the ability to confront adversity and emerge stronger.
Commencing the book with Lady in Brown in the poem "Dark Phrases," Shange introduces the theme of secrets shaping one's identity. The phrase "dark phrases of womanhood" (Shange, 3) suggests the hidden aspects that contribute to a woman's growth and maturity.
Despite the diversity among Shange's characters, each lady resonates with every woman, as they collectively embody a spectrum of emotions experienced by females universally. Whether it be sorrow, joy, or the desire to share experiences with loved ones, these sentiments transcend individuality.
In conclusion, Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf intricately weaves a tapestry of women's experiences, emotions, and growth. Through the symbolic use of colors, each lady becomes a representative of a broader spectrum of emotions and challenges faced by women.
From Lady in Red's unbridled passion to Lady in Brown's unveiling of life's secrets, Shange provides a poignant portrayal of the multifaceted nature of womanhood. This work serves as a mirror reflecting the shared struggles, joys, and triumphs that resonate with women from all walks of life.
Colors of Womanhood: Emotions Unveiled in Shange's Poetry. (2018, Sep 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/for-colored-girls-book-analysis-essay
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