Although Independence Day is only mentioned once in the novel, one might
argue that many who are not of American heritage often know little about
the history of the celebration at all. Obviously, others may be asking
what Independence Day has to with The Color Purple in the first
place.
Independence
Day is the national holiday of the United States of America commemorating
the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental
Congress. It is always held on the 4th of July and on that day many flock
to the commemorative Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island [pictured].
Independence Day was the beginning of democracy in America, when the United States were liberated from British rule. Therefore, we can say that as the white people in the novel celebrate their Independence, Celie experiences a personal independence from the torments of patriarchy and a freedom to say what she wants to whomever she wants.
The origins go way back to 1774. The United States was comprised of thirteen states all under the British rule of King George III. The people in America were unhappy because, as they saw it, they were paying taxes but no representative was present in the English Parliament. America as a nation had no voice, and had no control over what happened.
As the King sent troops in order to quell a rebellion the colonies sent delegates to Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania to form the First Continental Congress. In April 1775, English troops were arriving in America, marking the unofficial beginning of a war of Independence. Though the Americans were anxious to bring about political change, they did not want to begin war. Instead they again sent delegates to Philadelphia in order to work out differences with their rulers.
By 1776, Americans felt that the issue had began to settle in the minds of the British, and so drew up the first draft of a declaration of independence, to be signed by Thomas Jefferson. On the 28th of June 1776 the declaration was issued to congress. After amendments to the paper a vote was taken on the 4th of July. From the thirteen states represented, the proposal for independence from Britain fell in America’s favour, nine to two, with one undecided and one abstention.
John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress signed the official paper, and the following day copies appeared in all the state newspapers. On the 8th of July, the declaration was given its first reading in Philadelphia’s Independence Square and the newly named "Liberty Bell" was rung in its honour.
Despite not being officially completed until some time in August, July the 4th is the date formally known as Independence Day, the day when all Americans give thanks for the "Land of the Free."
Written by Matthew Kane [2001]
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