Though set in dissimilar contexts, the protagonists within Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, share some striking similarities. Both texts convey how society’s prejudices towards young women profoundly impacts their development of identity and individuality through experiences with racism, sexism and relationships. Pecola and Ifemelu are both confronted with racial criticism and discrimination, which have influenced their understanding of social hierarchies growing up. Additionally, the behaviour of society’s attitudes towards both girls is one of a bigotry nature, which challenges their self-worth and respect. Moreover, the exploration of familial relationships further distils a sense of self and gives
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During the time in which The bluest eye was set, women were degraded and victims of sexual abuse. The oppression of women is not only shown through racial subjugation, but also through the tyranny and violation brought upon them. This is reflected when a male classmate of Pecola lures her into his house and then proceeds by physically attacking her. The use of high modality language when the boy shouts “You can’t get out. You’re my prisoner”, depicts the boys’ view that Pecola is his property. This is further accentuated by the possessive and tenure language and tone of “You’re my prisoner”, which validates the boys’ belief that he has ownership of Pecola, almost as if she were an object. Such a line coming from a young boy confirms the shocking extent to which this patriarchy has impacted upon the society. The Bluest Eye presents a realistic view of the options for African-American women in the 1940’s, which includes either getting married, working for white families, or becoming prostitutes. Growing up, Pecola witnesses a limited and idealistic view of women’s power and role in a marriage, displayed through Cholly’s oppression on Pauline in their abusive relationship. The highly descriptive language in Morrison’s writing illustrates a vivid image of Cholly’s physical assault and assists the reader to …show more content…
Home and family environment in The Bluest Eye heavily contrasts against what was traditional in 1941, which is presented through the reoccurring motif of Dick and Jane’s vibrant, content family. Contrary to the idea that home is a place where a sense of value is sustained and established, home to Pecola is a place where she is mistreated, predominantly by her own parents. This is portrayed through Pecola’s mother’s relentless care for the white family who she works for compared to the neglect of her own family. The setting and scene in which Morrison details Pecola witnessing the evident favour of someone else’s child from her own mother provides the reader insight into Pecola’s feeling that there is no safe place for her to be loved and valued. The sexual assault that Pecola experiences when own father comes home drunk and rapes her not only impregnates her physically, but also has significant repercussions on her emotional wellbeing, takes away her innocence and aids her spiral into insanity. Upon reflection, Pecola states with a timid and sullen tone the ‘dirty’ incident, illustrating her assumption that … This is heightened by the irony that a father is one who little girls look to for guidance and approval. Hence, the lack of strong familial influences in Pecola’s life has reinforced the absence of sense of home
During the time in which The bluest eye was set, women were degraded and victims of sexual abuse. The oppression of women is not only shown through racial subjugation, but also through the tyranny and violation brought upon them. This is reflected when a male classmate of Pecola lures her into his house and then proceeds by physically attacking her. The use of high modality language when the boy shouts “You can’t get out. You’re my prisoner”, depicts the boys’ view that Pecola is his property. This is further accentuated by the possessive and tenure language and tone of “You’re my prisoner”, which validates the boys’ belief that he has ownership of Pecola, almost as if she were an object. Such a line coming from a young boy confirms the shocking extent to which this patriarchy has impacted upon the society. The Bluest Eye presents a realistic view of the options for African-American women in the 1940’s, which includes either getting married, working for white families, or becoming prostitutes. Growing up, Pecola witnesses a limited and idealistic view of women’s power and role in a marriage, displayed through Cholly’s oppression on Pauline in their abusive relationship. The highly descriptive language in Morrison’s writing illustrates a vivid image of Cholly’s physical assault and assists the reader to …show more content…
Home and family environment in The Bluest Eye heavily contrasts against what was traditional in 1941, which is presented through the reoccurring motif of Dick and Jane’s vibrant, content family. Contrary to the idea that home is a place where a sense of value is sustained and established, home to Pecola is a place where she is mistreated, predominantly by her own parents. This is portrayed through Pecola’s mother’s relentless care for the white family who she works for compared to the neglect of her own family. The setting and scene in which Morrison details Pecola witnessing the evident favour of someone else’s child from her own mother provides the reader insight into Pecola’s feeling that there is no safe place for her to be loved and valued. The sexual assault that Pecola experiences when own father comes home drunk and rapes her not only impregnates her physically, but also has significant repercussions on her emotional wellbeing, takes away her innocence and aids her spiral into insanity. Upon reflection, Pecola states with a timid and sullen tone the ‘dirty’ incident, illustrating her assumption that … This is heightened by the irony that a father is one who little girls look to for guidance and approval. Hence, the lack of strong familial influences in Pecola’s life has reinforced the absence of sense of home