The purpose of this thesis is to show the destruction of identity in The Bluest Eye. In order to find out how far Toni Morrison digests her own experiences in her first piece of work, it is important to have a closer insight into her biography. First of all, I will provide the reader with some basic information about the author and genesis of the work in order to find out how far Toni Morrison dwells on her past. It is necessary to reflect on the underlying reasons why Toni Morrison started writing The Bluest Eye, as her motivation reveals the emotional attachment she has to her work. Hence, The Bluest Eye is introduced. The primer depicts the main aspects around the Bluest Eye and how it deals with identity formation and the tremendous problem with the context of beauty. Subsequently, I will give a definition of social identity to lay the foundation and back my argumentation. In this context, the concept of beauty plays a major role. I will illustrate the difficult situation of black people in a dominant white culture and how some black characters in The Bluest Eye are developed as a result of this. After that, I will present a sociological view of this problem and describe how Morrison’s characters developed their identities by classifying them into categories. In my conclusion, I will discuss the main character’s identities and highlight the differences between the MacTeers and the Breedloves.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Autobiographical influences
- Genesis of The Bluest Eye
- The Bluest Eye
- Primer
- A definition of social identity
- Unique identity: The self
- Concept of beauty and its consequences
- Blackness opposed to Whiteness
- Black identity
- Sages of identity development
- [Black] identity in The Bluest Eye
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to analyze the destructive impact of identity formation within Toni Morrison's novel, "The Bluest Eye." To understand the depth of Morrison's personal experiences reflected in her debut work, the author's biography and the genesis of the novel are explored. By examining the reasons behind Morrison's choice to write "The Bluest Eye," this analysis aims to unveil the emotional connection she holds to her work.
- The impact of societal expectations and cultural beauty standards on identity formation
- The experiences of Black individuals within a predominantly white society
- The significance of autobiographical influences and personal experiences in shaping literary works
- The exploration of social identity and its influence on individual perceptions of self
- The representation of Black identity and the complexities of its development
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter establishes the purpose of the thesis, which is to analyze the destruction of identity within "The Bluest Eye." It provides a brief overview of the structure and key topics that will be addressed throughout the study.
- Autobiographical influences: This chapter delves into Toni Morrison's personal life and experiences, revealing how her early years shaped her understanding of class and racial identity. The significance of the "black is beautiful" movement and the Civil Rights era are discussed, highlighting their impact on Morrison's writing.
- Genesis of The Bluest Eye: This chapter explores the origins of "The Bluest Eye," tracing its development from a short story written in 1962 to a full-fledged novel. It examines how Morrison's personal experiences, including her divorce, contributed to the themes and perspectives of the novel.
- The Bluest Eye: This chapter introduces the main aspects of "The Bluest Eye," focusing on its exploration of identity formation, the challenges of beauty standards, and the impact of societal pressures.
- Primer: This chapter sets the stage for the analysis of "The Bluest Eye" by defining social identity and examining its role in shaping individual perceptions of self. It lays the foundation for understanding the complexities of identity development in the novel.
- A definition of social identity: This chapter provides a clear definition of social identity and its relevance to the broader themes of the novel. It sets the framework for understanding how social constructs influence individual identities.
- Unique identity: The self: This chapter delves into the concept of individual identity, exploring how personal experiences and societal influences contribute to a unique sense of self. It examines the complexities of identity formation within a social context.
- Concept of beauty and its consequences: This chapter examines the role of beauty standards in shaping perceptions of self-worth and identity. It explores the impact of societal beauty ideals on individuals, particularly within the context of racial and cultural disparities.
- Blackness opposed to Whiteness: This chapter explores the dynamics of racial identity and the societal implications of being Black in a predominantly white society. It examines how characters in "The Bluest Eye" navigate these complexities and develop their identities in response.
- Black identity: This chapter provides a sociological analysis of Black identity development, classifying characters into categories based on their experiences and perspectives. It examines the various ways in which Black individuals navigate societal expectations and construct their identities.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary focus of this thesis lies on the themes of identity formation, racial identity, social identity, the concept of beauty, and the portrayal of Black experiences within a white-dominated society. It further explores the impact of societal expectations and cultural beauty standards on the development of self-worth and individual perceptions of self. The thesis aims to demonstrate how these themes are interconnected and how they contribute to the overall message and meaning of "The Bluest Eye."
- Quote paper
- Patrick Ellrott (Author), 2009, Black Identity in Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/263949
