Celie's Metamorphosis into the Color Purple In the book The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker, the main character Celie develops from an abused, shy and intimidated teenager into a woman strong, mature and confident woman. This metamorphosis is due to five main factors: Celie observes other successful women, receiving love and appreciation, changes in Celie's view of God, Celie's maturation, and a little bit of luck. As Celie grows up, her father sexually molests her over and over again. once again, making her pregnant twice. And when she is fourteen, she is to marry an older man named Albert. Albert also bullies Celie and beats her. Celie doesn't know how to react. “All I know how to do is stay alive,” he says (18). But some things start to change around Celie. Being married to Albert, she meets other women who show her different ways of reacting. Sofia, who is married to Albert's son Harpo, is a large, strong woman. Every time Harpo tries to beat Sofia to obey, Sofia always reacts, even harder. Celie admires Sofia and the knowledge that a woman can react physically strengthens her. Another woman who shows Celie that women can and do succeed is singing queen Shug Avery. Shug is a famous singer that almost every man admires. She, therefore, has the power to control them. Once again Celie is taught that a woman can be successful and rule her own life. The third woman who plays an important role in Celie's life is her sister, Nettie, who lives apart from Celie for much of her life, but still stays in contact with Celie through numerous letters. Nettie was always said to be the smartest, best and b... middle of the paper... and the ultimate main reason for Celie's development. First, Celie discovers that the father she grew up with was not her real father. His biological father was a better and more successful man. Knowing that her family ties were good enough after all strengthens Celie and makes her feel better inside. Second, inheriting a house and money after her father allows Celie to become richer and achieve some of her dreams. All of the reasons mentioned above lead to Celie's development into a strong, mature, and confident woman who is able to walk away. her abusive husband, running an industry and shop, and becoming independent in many other ways. Celie's own saying perfectly illustrates this new independence: “If she [Shug] came, I would be happy. If he doesn't, I'm happy. And then I guess this was the lesson I should have learned” (290).