Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye is a novel written by Toni Morrison that explores the devastating effects of internalized racism on young black girls in the 1940s. The story is set in Lorain, Ohio, and centers around the life of a young black girl named Pecola Breedlove. The novel is divided into four parts, each of which provides a unique perspective on the events leading up to Pecola's ultimate breakdown.

Part One

In the first part of the novel, Morrison introduces us to Pecola's family and the community in which they live. Pecola is the youngest of three siblings and is often mistreated by her parents due to her dark skin and unattractive appearance. Pecola longs for blue eyes, believing that they will make her beautiful and beloved by all. The novel also introduces us to Claudia and Frieda, two young girls who are friends with Pecola and who provide a contrast to Pecola's self-hatred.

Part Two

Part Two of the novel is narrated by Claudia, who provides insight into the experiences of black girls growing up in a white-dominated society. The girls attend a school where they are taught to idolize white beauty and to view themselves as inferior. Claudia and Frieda are able to resist these messages to some extent, but Pecola is not so fortunate. She is teased and bullied by her classmates, who view her as ugly and worthless.

Part Three

Part Three of the novel is narrated by an omniscient narrator and focuses on the experiences of Pecola's mother, Pauline. Pauline is a complex character who has internalized the racism of her society and is emotionally distant from her children. We learn about Pauline's difficult childhood and her experiences working as a maid for a wealthy white family. Her experiences have left her with deep-seated feelings of inferiority, which she projects onto her children.

Part Four

The final part of the novel is narrated by an omniscient narrator and focuses on the events leading up to Pecola's breakdown. Pecola is repeatedly abused and mistreated by those around her, including her own family members. She becomes pregnant by her own father and is unable to cope with the trauma of her experiences. The novel ends with Pecola's descent into madness, as she imagines that she has finally achieved the blue eyes that she has always longed for.

In conclusion, The Bluest Eye is a powerful exploration of the devastating effects of internalized racism and the ways in which it can shape the lives of young black girls. Through the experiences of Pecola and her family, Morrison highlights the damaging impact of white beauty standards and the ways in which they can lead to self-hatred and despair. The novel is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and the need to resist the messages of a society that seeks to devalue and dehumanize black bodies.