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Racial Identity and Oppression in Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye,” "Sula" and
"Beloved"
Introduction Toni Morrison's adept examination of racial identity and oppression emerges as a
reoccurring theme that interconnects her literary works,
"The Bluest Eye" (1970), "Sula" (1973),
and
"Beloved" (1987). The three literary works explore the lived experiences of African-
American characters as they navigate the profound challenges posed by racism, the complexities
of self-identity, and the enduring impact of historical slavery. Morrison skillfully constructs an
intriguing narrative that highlights the significant impact of racism on both individuals and
communities, employing many settings, characters, and storylines. Toni Morrison adeptly
examines the lasting consequences of racial identity and oppression on African American
individuals and communities in her works "The Bluest Eye," "Sula," and
"Beloved."
Through
these novels, Morrison unveils the intricate dynamics between self-perception, society norms,
and the historical legacy of slavery.
Racial identity and oppression emerge as prominent themes across the three literary
works. In the novel "The Bluest Eye,"
Morrison portrays Pecola Breedlove as a dramatic
representation of the detrimental effects of racial identification and persecution on one's self-
esteem. Pecola's intense longing for blue eyes, which she perceives as a means to enhance her
attractiveness and social standing, exemplifies the internalized self-deprecation that is strongly
ingrained within her African American heritage. Morrison effectively portrays this yearning
through Pecola's introspection, as evidenced by the statement, “[She would spend] long hours
she sat looking in the mirror, trying to discover the secret of the ugliness, the ugliness that made
her ignored or despised at school, by teachers and classmates alike"
(Morrison 36). The above
quote highlights Pecola's profound and distressing endeavor to attain validation within society,
which is motivated by the prevalent ideals of beauty that prioritize Eurocentric characteristics.
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The individual's unwavering determination to acquire blue eyes serves as a symbol of the
significant influence of racial discrimination, leading her to internalize feelings of insignificance
and alienation. The progression of the novel reveals Pecola's poignant odyssey, which stands as a
poignant monument to the detrimental impact of racial identification and societal expectations on
one's self-worth and sense of belonging. This narrative trajectory aligns with Morrison's broader
examination of similar topics across her body of work.
In "Sula,"
Morrison explores the complex intricacies of racial identity and oppression
inside the confines of the segregated African American community known as the Bottom. The
examination of these subjects is facilitated by the profound bond between Sula Peace and Nel
Wright. Throughout the progression of the novel, the character of Sula emerges as a symbolic
representation of resistance against established societal expectations and conventions, hence
questioning the community's prevailing conceptions regarding the identity and role of Black
women. The individual's non-traditional decisions, such as her refusal to adhere to conventional
gender norms, compel individuals in her vicinity to address the societal constraints imposed on
African American women as a result of racial bias. The narrator's statement regarding the
disappearance of the anguish that had contorted the protagonist into a curved position on the
floor and emotionally devastated her is evident. The author says "This very grief that had twisted
her into a curve on the floor and flayed her would be gone. She would lose that too"
(Morrison
123). The audacity exhibited by Sula serves as a catalyst for questioning the predetermined
societal roles and expectations imposed upon Black women, so instigating a critical reassessment
of racial identity and the oppressive rules that govern it. In the narrative, Nel's growing
awareness of the limitations imposed upon her due to her ethnicity contributes to the overall
complexity of the story. This emphasis on the internal conflict experienced by African American
women who aspire to independence and self-assertion within a society influenced by racial
discrimination is noteworthy. Morrison skillfully constructs a narrative that explores the deep
dynamics of racial identity and oppression by delving into the profound friendship between Sula
and Nel. This narrative illuminates the various complications that African American individuals
encounter within their communities and society at large.
In the novel "Beloved," Morrison explores the issue of racial identity and oppression by
presenting a heartbreaking portrayal of the enduring wounds inflicted by slavery upon African
Americans. This is achieved through the character of Sethe, who serves as a haunting
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embodiment of these experiences. The fundamental theme of the work revolves around Sethe's
distressing background as a former slave who successfully flees to attain freedom. Morrison
adeptly depicts the significant psychological repercussions stemming from this historical context.
A quotation of particular significance, resonating with the issue of racial identity and oppression,
emerges as Sethe contemplates her decision to end the life of her own offspring as a means to
shield her from the horrible existence of enslavement. Sethe asserts that "I took one journey and I
paid for the ticket, but let me tell you something, Paul D. Garner: it cost too much!"
(Morrison
114). This quotation serves as a poignant illustration of the profound impact of Sethe's historical
experiences, wherein the atrocities of slavery compelled her to confront a deeply distressing
dilemma. The manifestation of the spectral entity known as Beloved serves as an additional
emblem, representing the persistent psychological distress and remorse that continues to afflict
Sethe and the broader community. Morrison's tale highlights the enduring impact of slavery's
historical context, characterized by its cruel and dehumanizing aspects, as it persists over
generations. This influence not only shapes the personal identities of individuals but also shapes
the shared experiences of African Americans within a society that is defined by racial oppression.
The narrative of Sethe provides as a compelling testimony to the lasting influence of this somber
historical period on the collective consciousness of African Americans.
Hence, the three literary works authored by Toni Morrison delve into the complex and
interrelated concepts of racial identity and oppression, so exemplifying how these topics
contribute to Morrison's comprehensive examination of the African American experience. The
novels share a repeating thread that centers on the captivating depiction of self-perception and
the challenging pursuit of self-acceptance in a society marked by profoundly entrenched racism.
The literary works "The Bluest Eye," "Sula," and "Beloved" include characters, namely Pecola
Breedlove, Sula Peace, and Sethe, who confront the intricate entanglement of their identities
amidst the pervasive racial biases and societal prejudices that envelop their lives. In "The Bluest
Eye,"
the narrative of Pecola Breedlove's experiences offers a heartbreaking illustration of the
detrimental consequences brought about by prevailing cultural ideals of beauty and the systemic
oppression based on race. The protagonist's desire for blue eyes, which she perceives as a
representation of beauty and societal approval, serves as a poignant illustration of the
internalized self-disdain that arises from living in a racially prejudiced society (Morrison 29).
Pecola's intense need to acquire blue eyes is indicative of her deeply rooted conviction that
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altering her physical appearance is the means by which she might liberate herself from the
weight of her African American heritage. The endeavor to achieve self-acceptance amidst
conventional standards of beauty highlights the significant influence of racism on an individual's
sense of value.
In a similar vein, "Sula"
acquaints the reader with the character of Sula Peace, a figure
who challenges and deviates from prevailing cultural standards and expectations. The atypical
decisions made by the individual in question serve to challenge the prevailing notions held
within her community, which is situated in the Bottom, an enclave characterized by racial
segregation and predominantly inhabited by African Americans. Sula's unwavering resolve to
shape her own existence exemplifies the inherent conflict between individual selfhood and the
limitations imposed by societal norms in a racially prejudiced environment (Morrison 118). The
activities undertaken by the individual, despite being unorthodox, serve to underscore the
intricate nature of racial identity and the societal constraints that African American individuals
encounter when striving to assert their independence. Furthermore, Morrison adeptly depicts the
abominations of slavery and the enduring psychological trauma experienced by African
Americans in her novel "Beloved."
The protagonist of the novel, Sethe, who was once enslaved,
is tormented by the distressing events she endured, which are represented by the spectral
presence of Beloved (Morrison 124). The actions taken by Sethe in order to safeguard her
children from the horrors of captivity serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing consequences
of racial subjugation. This is exemplified by the presence of Beloved, whose existence
symbolizes the lasting effects of slavery on Sethe's sense of self and her interactions with others.
The novels examined in this study collectively highlight the pervasive influence of societal
prejudices on the internal experiences of individuals, resulting in significant impacts on their
sense of value and interpersonal connections. The characters in Morrison's works engage in a
profound exploration of their identities and the process of accepting themselves amid a social
environment that is marked by racial prejudice. This emphasis on the ongoing battle for
acknowledgment and independence underscores the enduring nature of this conflict. Morrison
adeptly constructs a rich tapestry by employing the diverse narratives of Pecola, Sula, and Sethe.
This narrative technique effectively highlights the intricate dynamics between self-perception,
societal expectations, and the enduring trauma of slavery. Consequently, Morrison's body of
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work is enriched as she delves into the complexities of racial identity and the oppressive forces
that shape it.
Despite of the ubiquitous nature of racial identity and oppression, Morrison's literary
works also provide insights into the processes of healing and resilience. The characters of
Pauline in "The Bluest Eye," Eva in "Sula,"
and Baby Suggs in "Beloved"
function as symbols of
optimism, promoting the ideals of self-affirmation and communal solidarity as remedies to the
detrimental effects of racial subjugation. Within "The Bluest Eye,"
the character of Pauline
Breedlove is depicted as an individual who, despite grappling with her own personal challenges,
presents a faint ray of optimism. Morrison effectively portrays the manner in which Pauline's
unwavering commitment to her religious beliefs and her capacity to seek comfort within the
church serve as a means of fortitude and recuperation among the challenges posed by racial
discrimination. According to the narrator, "The songs caressed her, and while she tried to hold
her mind on the wages of sin, her body trembled for redemption, salvation, a mysterious rebirth
that would simply happen, with no effort on her part"
(Morrison 15). Hence, the manifestation of
Pauline's resilience becomes apparent as she deeply engages with her religious convictions,
seeking solace from the severe manifestations of racial discrimination.
The character of Eva Peace in the novel "Sula"
serves as a representation of the
indomitable nature of the human spirit. The act of Eva autonomously amputating her own leg
using a butcher cleaver serves as a remarkable illustration of her capacity to exercise personal
agency amidst experiences of suffering and subjugation. The aforementioned behavior can be
construed as a representation of her resolute commitment to assume authority over her personal
narrative and confront the constraints imposed by prevailing social conventions. The tenacity and
adaptability exhibited by Eva highlight the capacity of individuals to assert their agency and
undergo healing, even in the most challenging situations (Morrison 82). In contrast, "Beloved"
presents a very poignant depiction of the process of healing and empowerment, primarily
through the character of Baby Suggs (
Deyab 77). Following her escape from enslavement, Baby
Suggs assumes the role of a spiritual guide, delivering sermons that emphasize the importance of
cultivating self-love and self-acceptance within the African American community. The events
held at the Clearing function as a therapeutic environment for the community, enabling them to
address and grapple with the distressing historical consequences of slavery and racism. This can
be seen as his admonition to Sethe to refrain from engaging in the study of warfare. Please
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arrange all of the clutter in an orderly manner. This can be seen as he tells Sethe to "Don't study
war no more. Lay all that mess down. Sword and shield
" (Morrison 87). Hence, the lessons of
Baby Suggs underscore the significance of recognizing historical events as a mechanism for both
personal and collective restoration and empowerment, aligning with Morrison's overarching
examination of these motifs within her literary works.
Therefore, Pauline, Eva, and Baby Suggs serve as embodiments of Morrison's thematic
assertion that the potential for healing and resilience can manifest even under the most dire and
desolate conditions. The narratives presented emphasize the need of acknowledging and
addressing the enduring consequences of racism, cultivating a sense of self-acceptance, and
fostering inclusive social networks as crucial measures for achieving personal empowerment and
facilitating the process of healing. Morrison's novels convey a message of optimism and a means
of achieving restoration within the framework of racial identity and subjugation, so harmonizing
with the central theme that throughout her exceptional literary repertoire.
Conclusion Toni Morrison skillfully constructs a compelling narrative in her works "The Bluest Eye,"
"Sula," and "Beloved,"
wherein she illuminates the lasting consequences of racial identity and
oppression on African American individuals and communities. Morrison effectively depicts the
intricate dynamics between individual self-perception, society norms, and the lasting impact of
slavery by employing captivating characters and employing a vivid narrative style. The novels
authored by her function as reflective mirrors that depict the terrible realities associated with
racism, while simultaneously serving as windows that provide glimpses into the potential for
healing, resilience, and self-acceptance in the midst of oppressive circumstances. Through this
endeavor, Morrison's literary contributions persist in reverberating as a comprehensive
examination of the African American encounter within the confines of the United States.
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Works Cited
Deyab, Mohamed Ahmed.
Toni Morrison's womanist discourse in “The Bluest
Eye”(1970),“Sula”(1974), and “Beloved”(1987): Analytical and computational study
.
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 2004.
Morrison, Toni. "Beloved. 1987."
New York: Vintage
(2004).
Morrison, Toni. "The Bluest Eye. 1970."
New York
(1994): 751-59.
Morrison, Toni.
Sula
. Random House, 2014.