Themes: racism, society, oppression, femininity, womanhood, abuse, beauty standards.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a poetic novel set in 1940s Ohio. The story revolves around an 11 year old African-American girl, Pecola Breedlove and her journey into self-acceptance and womanhood. Pecola feels unloved and unworthy of love. She believes the unfortunate events in her life and tragedies she endures are due to her 'ugly' appearance. As Pecola doesn't meet the typical standards of beauty in a white society, she develops a deep desire to have blue eyes in her quest to fit in with her privileged schoolfellows. Pecola prays to have blue eyes every night with the belief that if her wish is granted, her life will be complete and happy.
The secondary characters in this novel also experience racial self-loathing and self-scrutiny in their individual stories. This novel really makes you question 'what is beauty?' and where such social standards came from. Children are innocent and vulnerable - they are taught values and morals by society and significant individuals in their lives. The Bluest Eye is a difficult read and covers sensitive issues including emotional and sexual abuse. The story remained with me for days after I read the novel and left me contemplating my own views on social standards and my perception of beauty.
I would highly recommend everyone read this book at least once, but be aware of the emotional and psychological triggers. Although I value the importance of such real issues, this is not a book I would re-read.
Quotes: 'Along with the idea of romantic love, she was introduced to another - physical beauty. Probably the most destructive idea in the history of human thought. Both originated in envy, thrived in insecurity and ended in disillusion.'
Rating: 4/5
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