Oftentimes, the change comes from within, simply the innate desire to improve oneself. Other times, the transformation is directly the result of outside influences; such as a significant event or inspiration from respected individuals and role models. The latter is the case in Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. In this novel, Walker uses the influence of other strong female characters to act as catalysts on Celie’s journey of self-discovery. Inspired by Sophia, Celie …showed first 75 words of 1657 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1657 total…their shared oppression is (her) chief agency of redemption” (Smith, 63). Their influences and experiences allow Celie to develop from a passive victim to a proactive, confident woman. “(She) goes herself to find the courage to change and grow” (Winchell, 87), and from these changes comes the power to take control Wilson, 8 and designate her own course in life. All it takes is a few good friends, the desire to change, and a little bit of time.