The Internalization of Pecola in the Bluest Eye

Within oneself, one could experience a mental struggle arising from opposing requirements, drives, or desires. In other words, one may undertake an inner dispute. In the novel “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, Pecola Breedlove, a pivotal character within the story, encounters an inner conflict that focuses on her appearance. Moreover, her curiosity is captured by society’s standards of beauty, which she perceives as light-skinned, fair-haired, and attractive. Being a dark-skinned African American, she realizes she does not fit this mold.

Hence, she struggles to accept herself and her appearance.

Throughout the novel, Pecola is fascinated by Shirley Temple and her “ideal” appearance. As stated on page 23, “We knew she cherished the Shirley Temple cup and seized every chance to drink milk from it; purely to handle and gaze at lovely Shirley’s face.” Over time, this fascination intensifies as she starts to pray for blue eyes, believing that with blue eyes, she would be perceived differently. Her self-perception mirrors that of someone young and insecure. Pecola believes that if she could alter her appearance to match society’s standards of beauty, her life would transform. Instead of accepting herself as she is, Pecola spends her time unproductively, focusing on unrealistic wishes that she cannot attain. But why does Pecola have these desires?

Companionship. Humans have always yearned for a companion, whether permanent or temporary. Pecola’s desire to be beautiful may stem from her longing to be wanted emotionally, though not physically per se, given that she is still young. Moreover, having grown up in an unstable family, she yearns for the affection she rarely received from her parents. Furthermore, she is sent to live with the MacTeers, which only intensifies her feelings of self-loathing for not being wanted. Morrison’s portrayal of Pecola hints at actions that she might take to obtain this feeling. With somewhat dubious male figures such as Mr. Henry around, it can be inferred that she might be exploited by one of them. If this were to happen, it would trigger an external conflict that would significantly impact her life and the narrative. Considering these factors, it can be concluded that Morrison probably intended to foreshadow such an event.

In conclusion, Morrison brings the character’s emotions into play to further develop the narrative. By creating conflict – both external and internal – and deploying various literary devices, Morrison adds “flavor” to the book. Therefore, it results in a more well-rounded, engaging read.

Did you like this example?

244

10