Metamorphosis of Celie in The Color Purple In the book The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker, the main character Celie evolves from an abused, shy and bullied teenager to a strong, mature and self-confident woman. This metamorphosis is due to five major factors: Celie observing other successful women, receiving love and appreciation, changes in Celie's view of God, Celie's maturation, and a bit of luck. As Celie grows up, her father sexually assaults her repeatedly. again, making her pregnant twice. And at the age of fourteen, she must marry an older man named Albert. Albert also bullies Celie and beats her. Celie doesn't know how to fight back. “All I know is to stay alive,” she says (18). But some things are starting to change around Célie. Being married to Albert, she meets other women who show her different ways to fight back. Sofia, married to Albert's son Harpo, is a tall and strong woman. Every time Harpo tries to beat Sofia into obeying him, Sofia always fights back, even harder. Celie admires Sofia, and knowing that a woman can physically fight back is empowering for Celie. Another woman who shows Celie that women can and are allowed to succeed is singing queen Shug Avery. Shug is a well-known singer who almost every man admires. She therefore has the power to control them. Once again, Celie learns that a woman can be successful and direct her own life. The third woman who plays an important role in Celie's life is her own sister, Nettie, who lives away from Celie most of her life, but nevertheless remains in contact with Celie through numerous letters. Nettie has always been seen as the smartest, kindest, and most good...... middle of paper...... and the final main reason for Celie's development. First of all, Célie discovers that the father she grew up with was not her real father. His biological father was a better and much more successful man. Knowing that her family ties were finally good enough strengthens Célie by allowing her to feel better inside. Second, inheriting a house and money after father allows Celie to become richer and realize some of her dreams. All the reasons mentioned above lead to Celie's evolution into a strong, mature and self-confident woman who manages to leave her abusive husband, run an industry and a store and become independent in many other ways. Celie’s saying perfectly illustrates this new independence: “If she [Shug] comes, I will be happy. If she doesn't, I'm happy. And then I think that's the lesson I was supposed to learn” (290).