Relationship between Celie and her children

In the exposition, the reader learns that Celie’s children are taken away from her by her father and killed in the forests. (later this is not the case) At this point, her relationship with her children is hard to say. She had an emotional attachment to her children and this became more evident when that void in her heart made by her children was filled by Nettie.

In the rising action, Celie meets a baby girl in a shop that she suspects is her daughter.

As can be seen by Celie’s actions, she recognizes her daughter right away. She still has an emotional attachment to her daughter. She is curious as to where Corrine and the Reverend Samuel got her. She knows by her motherly instincts that this is Olivia and this is even confirmed by Corrine.

In the climax of the story, Celie is still emotionally attached to her children but she finally feels a sense of love for them, knowing that they are her biological children. Though they are legally Samuel and Corrine's baby, in the climax she starts to show a sense of ownership with “her” kids. She refers to Olivia and Adam as her kids, and so does Nettie.

In the resolution, Celie can now play a role in her children’s life now that they share a physical relationship, rather than just an emotional one. The Children no more will be distant from her.

The Relationship symbolizes reunion. Celie, and her children from the very beginning of the book were separated. She only learns of their existence through Nettie in a series of letters. Throughout these letters, the reader can start to tell that she is more and more getting emotionally attached. She loves her children and this is what gives Celie the hope to live through her miserable life, the chance to get to see Nettie and the Children once again. In the end, Celie is reunited with her children. “Thank you for bringing my sister Nettie and our children home.”(285)