We will wrap up our series of historical fiction books written by African American women with "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison.

Summary

This book is a somber inquiry into the life of a poor, young African American girl who experiences extreme alienation by her family and most of her community. Commonly labeled by those around her as "ugly," Pecola Breedlove leads a harsh and lonely existence; longing for that which she believes will gain her acceptance and even love -- blue eyes. Her desire to be someone, other than herself, is largely a result of the prominence and marketing of the concept of "white" beauty which surrounds her. Set in Ohio prior to desegregation in 1941- 1942 with flashbacks from Pecola's parents to the 1920s and 1930s, the book takes readers on a heart breaking journey through the events which lead to Pecola's eventual mental demise. Revealed through the thoughts of Pecola's only friends, sisters Frieda and mainly Claudia, Pecola's tale is also shared from her own personal perspective; as well as others around her.Originally published in 1970, "The Bluest Eye" is the Nobel prize winner's first novel.

Morrison has admitted that she inserted some of her own childhood insecurities and those of her peers in this novel. In fact, her decision to change her name was the result of this diffidence -- and a choice that she regrets. (Colson, 2007)

Activity

Before you begin reading the book, please visit the links below. Address the questions that follow in your reflections.



Media Stereotyping
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/issues/stereotyping/index.cfm

FIRST DO NO HARM: An Alternative Approach For Assisting Clients With Weight Related Concerns
http://www.msu.edu/user/burkejoy/

Perspectives: Research and Creative Activities at SIUC
http://www.siu.edu/~perspect/00_fall/teasing.html

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics
http://www.surgery.org/press/statistics.php

"Incident" by Countee Cullen
http://www.duboislc.org/ShadesOfBlack/CounteeCullen.html

Questions for Reflection

• How do we determine beauty?
• What is beauty?
• How are people treated based on their appearance?
• Why do we treat people differently?
• Why do we tell stories?
• What heroism can be found in acceptance?

Works Cited

Morrison, T. (1994). The bluest eye. New York: Penguin Group.

Colson, M. (2007). History in literature: the story behind toni morrison's the bluest eye. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library.