In these letters, we see two parallel sequences of "awakening." Earlier, Celie helped Shug awaken to life again, and now, Celie helps transform the naked woman whom she bathed to be "clothed" again in her "stage self," the Queen Honeybee. This transformation takes some time because a good deal of time has elapsed, and Shug's hair is considerably longer, and pressing her hair is done by using a very hot iron comb. This process is also called "straightening" because it removes the kinky curls from black hair.
Besides Shug's awakening to new life, there is also, as we mentioned earlier, Celie's awakening to a sense of herself. This is the first time since Nettie left that Celie has felt "special" and loved, and she has Shug to thank for it. Shug is the source of Celie's happiness. It is significant that Shug waits until she is onstage to thank Celie. She wants everyone to know. She values Celie that much.
Shug has recovered, but she stays on at Albert's in order to protect Celie from Albert's beatings, and she vows not to leave "until I know Albert won't even think about beating you." The two women share a long embrace that ends in a kiss, bonding their relationship.
In order for Celie to grow as a woman, it is necessary for her to learn who she is — emotionally and physically. And it is at this point that some readers flinch as they read about Shug's showing Celie how to masturbate — a clinical verb with ugly connotations. What Shug is really doing, however, is not ugly; it is beautiful. Shug is teaching Celie how to give herself pleasure, how to make herself feel good. One can never love another person or another body until one has learned to love oneself and one's own body. A person must know what feels good sexually and be able to tell one's partner.
