Final answer:
Both "A Retrieved Reformation" and the story of Stanley Williams demonstrate that change can occur through personal experiences and external influences, serving as crucial factors in individual transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both "A Retrieved Reformation" and the story of Stanley Williams show that people can change through external influences and personal experiences. In "A Retrieved Reformation," the protagonist, a former criminal, changes his life around after falling in love, an event that catalyzes his transformation. Similarly, Stanley Williams underwent a personal change during his time in prison, where he started engaging in positive activities and writing children’s books, demonstrating a transition from his previous life. These stories illustrate the concept of change, highlighted by sociologists and seen in various social movements, reinforcing how external circumstances and intimate experiences can contribute to the growth and reformation of individuals.