The Color Purple introduces themes and topics, such as sexual assault and physical abuse, that are geared toward a mature reading audience. The book also contains some explicit sexuality. Heeding the advice of the National Council of Teachers of English, the book may not be suitable for some readers. Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students who are enrolled in advanced literature or history courses and actively studying the historical context in which The Color Purple takes place may be better prepared for the reading and discussion of this novel. Students should be forewarned of the material presented.
The thought questions in this lesson plan provide material and ideas that students can...
