The brilliant author Benjamin Lee Whorf once stated, "Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about." Language is an essential implement of communication and expression, which gives a character a certain identity. In The Color Purple by Alice Walker, the development of Celie 's character is defined through her language. Celie's altering point of view, informal diction, and change in tone reveal her lack of education, and the confidence, maturity, independence, and contentment that she gains, despite the persistent oppression existing in her everyday life.
             Celie's altering point of view demonstrates the transformation of her character throughout the novel. Celie writes in the first-person in epistolary letters, which she initially addresses to God. Her stepfather, Alphonso, forbids her to mention that he raped her to anyone. "You better not never tell nobody but God. It'd kill your mammy"(1). She is ashamed of who she is, and there is no one who will be able listen to her except for God. Celie hopes God will give her the answers she needs to know about her life. "I have always been a good girl. Maybe you can give me a sign letting me know what is happening to me" (1). Living in a patriarchal society, Celie initially sees God as "big and old and tall and gray bearded and white. He wears white robes and go barefooted" (201). Celie is only able to express her loneliness and oppression by writing to God.
             After writing many letters to God, Celie feels that He doesn't listen to her prayers. Celie explains to Shug why she stops writing letters to God. "Anyhow, I say, the God I been praying and writing to is a man. And act just like all the other mens I know. Trifling, forgitful, and lowdown" (199). Her point of view shifts in that she no longer feels any comfort in God. Because God ignores Celie, just like every other m...