Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors

Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors

In Alice Walker's novel "The Color Purple," the character Celie finds solace and comfort in the act of making and drinking tea. This simple act becomes a form of self-care and a way for Celie to create a sense of home and belonging in a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving. In this way, tea becomes a symbol of resilience and resistance for Celie, a way for her to reclaim her own agency and find moments of peace and joy amidst the struggles of her life.

The quote "Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors" takes on a deeper meaning in the context of Walker's novel. In the English tradition, tea is often associated with leisure and relaxation, a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. However, for Celie, who is a black woman living in the American South in the early 20th century, tea becomes a way to create her own sense of comfort and community in a world that often denies her humanity.

Through the act of making and drinking tea, Celie is able to carve out moments of peace and connection with those around her. Whether she is sharing a cup of tea with her sister Nettie or enjoying a quiet moment alone, tea becomes a way for Celie to nurture herself and find moments of respite from the hardships of her life.