The Bluest Eye Essay (2nd Draft)

Ms. Morrison divides her novel “The Bluest Eye“ into four seasons by making use of motives of her own life. The desire for communicating and sharing aspects with the reader develops a real and identifiable story. But, the reader will only receive knowledge about character perspectives and time frames piece by piece. In order to develop Pecolas fortune to a dramatic climax, she let’s the nature act against her, too. Furthermore, various techniques are used that make the text narratively rich, which leads to a style that contributes towards the dramatic plot action.

A lot of what makes The Bluest Eye such capable is the use of special techniques that safe the readers attention at all times. Though Morrison structered her novel with an exposition, climax and conclusion, the plot is still very complicated and never a simple one. You can compare the way Morrison changes charecter perspectives and time frames to building a tower, giving the audience only pieces of knowledge little by little. Furthermore, it sometimes even feels like the novel started at the climax and goes intentionally back to the exposition, because you get to know the tragedy in the beginning but you have to experience the end first by reading the book. The change between the characters narrative enhances the way Morrison structered her story. Another very important stylistic aspect is the change in the character narratives which changes from 3rd person omniscent to a lot of first persons of Cholly, Paulina, Pecola and Claudia. While it could be perceived as bemusing, it is definitely an exciting way of experiencing the story. It also provides the opportunity to cover broad steps of time and space with the third-person omniscent narration. For example the way Marrison let the reader know about Soaphead Church’s white ancestors. In addition to that, Morrison uses Claudia to transport feelings and thoughts of a young child with some kind of innocence. This allows us to understand and perceive the racial issues of that time compared to the situation in the 20th century. Ms. Morrison demonstrates that North America is not cleaned from the racial issues of the past and that people should not think these problems are solved at all. The readers receive this information from inclusive, less-educated people who get the opportunity to tell their own experience in their own language. For example during Paulines story the narration starts of with the 3rd person omniscent, but it suddenly changes to an insight into Paulines personal thoughts and feelings.

In terms of dialect and tone it is easier to identify with the story due to a more realistic and reproducibe telling of the story. To return to the narrative technique of using flashbacks, Morrison was able to explain the falling in love from Cholly and Pauline, to show that innocence and a desire for sexuality are important theme’s in her novel. The repitions also help to remind the reader of important actions which are relevant to the plot. But, Toni Morrison was also able to use this kind of repition as message to the reader in a personal way. Whereas parts where information is given quickly like the scene with Pecola having her first period, Morrison describes it quickly according to the real life time. There are also scenes that are described in large detail and vivid descriptions, for example when Cholly and Pecola meet. The effect of using so much detailed information to the action allows the reader a way deeper understanding. Sometimes you might be able to call this novel poetry, because creating such suspense and harsh feelings, using fragmented narritive, juggling with the chronology of the event around very serious social issues can certainly be considered as art.

The novel is divided into four seasons while the plot does not correlate towards what a reader would expect to happen. For example spring, where a reader would expect something new, colourful, or some kind of rebirth, the occasions are really dark and horrible. We learn about Cholly raping Pecola and Claudia can not stop thinking about the lashing and all the snitches. Furthermore, in autumn, which is supposed to be the time of harvesting, Pecolas baby dies. The use of the seasonal cycle confirms that the character’s lives and experiences are abnormal and very tragic. Perhaps Morrison used the nature as a metaphor and challenge for the characters. An example could be the fact that Claudia thinks that the world has been not fair to Pecola. During summer, Pecola went to Sophead church, her baby and her father dies, a season which is usually the most beautiful during the year is combined with terrible occasions. Whereas the winter which is a very dark and cold season, where Pecola gets treated fairly by the prostitutes, which does not match with the dark winter images. The meaning effect and meaning of letting the nature play against Pecola is to underscore the issue that even nature is against Pecola. She simply receives no positive influences from external factors, and Toni Morrison makes sure that also the nature is not on her side. It serves as a dramatic function and helps to drive the plot up to its climax.

Morrison narrative style provided her with freedom in the way she wants to present the story, allowed her to switch between times and produce a noval that is a challange to read. I personally learned that racism has always be a dark part of American history and that problems for diminished people were tough. Unfortunately, the difficulties are still not solved completly. Toni Morrison expressed with her story of the Bluest Eye that racism has been a serious problem and that in terms of Pecola everything played agaisnt you, even tha nature, which dramatizes her situation.