How Does The Color Purple Change Throughout The Novel

"The Color Purple," a novel by Alice Walker, is a powerful story that explores the life of a black woman named Celie who faces various forms of oppression and abuse in the early 20th century rural South. Over the course of the novel, Celie undergoes significant character development as she navigates through challenges, discovers her inner strength, and finds her own voice. Through her relationships, self-reflection, and personal growth, Celie transforms from a submissive and voiceless individual to a resilient and empowered woman.
At the beginning of the novel, Celie is portrayed as a timid character who has experienced years of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from her father and later her husband. Celie is a young African American woman

She forms a deep bond with her sister Nettie, who encourages her to stand up for herself and follow her dreams. When Celie and Nettie’s father called Celie too dumb to go to school, Nettie replied back with, “But Pa, Celie smart too.” Through her relationship with Shug Avery, Mister's mistress, Celie discovers her own sensuality and learns to appreciate her own body. Shug becomes a mentor and a source of inspiration for Celie, helping her realize her worth and inner beauty. Shug suggested that they make some pants for Celie to wear. Celie replies back with, “Mr. ____ not going to let his wife wear pants.” “Why not? You do all the work around here. It’s a scandless, the way you look out there plowing in a dress,” Shug states. Shug also helped Celie discover the letters Nettie had been sending Celie for years had been purposely hidden by Mister. He wanted her to believe that Nettie has died. This friendship and trust Celie and Shug Avery has immensely helped Celie discover how to stick up for herself and how to surround herself around those who love and care for her. Celie's daughter-in-law Sofia shows Celie how to stand up to men and how to stand up to prejudice and injustice — and how to fight physically. Celie’s transformation was heavily facilitated by the support of other women, for example, like Shug Avery, her sister Nettie, and Sofia. They all

She started to question the oppressive gender roles and religious beliefs that have shaped her worldview. Through her introspection and self-reflection, Celie begins to challenge her own submissive mindset and finds her own voice. She learns to assert herself and stand up against abuse, refusing to tolerate mistreatment any longer.
Moreover, Celie's character development is also evident in her growing sense of independence and resilience. She starts a successful business, making pants for women, called Folkspants, Unlimted. This empowers her financially and gives her a sense of power. She also gains custody of her children and reunites with her sister Nettie, creating a sense of family and belonging that she had longed for. Through her determination and perseverance, Celie shows remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, embodying strength and