In the quote from Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," the character Celie expresses a deep emotional struggle. She fights against her sorrow and despair by convincing herself to become tough and unyielding, likening herself to a tree. This metaphor suggests resilience in the face of suffering, where she aims to become strong and grounded despite her circumstances.

Celie's connection to trees illustrates a broader fear of humanity and its destructive tendencies. By identifying with trees, she symbolizes a natural strength yet remains vulnerable to the harm that humans can inflict. This highlights the theme of survival and the complexities of human relationships found throughout the novel.