What kind of challenges transform people?

There are many challenges in life, not only are there supposed to be hurdles for everyone but for some people there are mountains they have to jump over. People who have no money, no food, no stable housing have more than just hurdles to go over in life but many other obstacles to conquer, many challenges that 'transform' people are mental. Such as learning to have an open mind to new ideas or a completely new mindset. These little changes have a huge impact on people, making them more creative and friendly to their community.

brainiest please! have a great night

c. to depict the cunningness of the federal soldiers

as for symbolic actions, the narrator's tearing down the wallpaper in an attempt to find the "woman" in the wallpaper represents her struggle to retain or regain her sanity.   the wallpaper has been part of her confinement and by her tearing it down, she is freeing herself from that confinement.