Celie's development through these significant factors and events in her life allowed her to become stronger and transform her life into what she wanted from it. The novel itself is a work of art that can be used as an example of how to empower oneself to find one's identity by overcoming personal oppressions and authorities that may impede one's true potential as an individual. Alice Walker's characterization of Celie is not only reminiscent of the hardships of many women in the early 1900s, but of an adventure in self-discovery through the closeness of personal relationships and the opportunities for personal gain through them. Celie's metamorphosis can be compared to that of a caterpillar. Like the caterpillar, Celie starts out grounded and limited to her options; however, through its evolution, it becomes as free as a butterfly in the air