The Bluest Eye Parenting Styles Essay

Parents are the first role models that children are exposed too, making them influential in the growth of a child. The diverse group of parents in The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, demonstrate a variety of parenting styles, and how they affect children. The book is set in 1940’s America, a time where black people weren’t fully accepted by society. Here readers are introduced to the breedlove family, a black family that is outcast from society. Each girl perceives the world differently as each has had a different upbringing. Throughout the book, the parenting experienced by the Breedloves affects their perception of love, setting them up for failure as a family. Nurturing and compassionate parents grant their children a positive view of love and it’s effects. On the other hand, parents who neglect their child can have the exact opposite effect. This was true in the case of Pauline (also known as Mrs. Breedlove). Growing up, Pauline never felt as if she was truly part of her family. Her upbringing was so void of joy that she even questions “why no one ever remarked on her food preferences - no saving of the wing or neck for her - no cooking of the peas in a separate pot without rice because she did not like rice; why nobody teased her; why she never felt at home anywhere, or that she belonged anyplace” (Morrison 111). Not only did her community ignore her, but even her family took no interest in her. They disregard her, and Pauline begins to blame the lack of love she experiences on her foot and herself. This …show more content…
As a result of bad parenting, both Cholly and Pauline are left with little information and a poor example on how to raise children. Consequently, Pecola is placed in the same situation as her parents, given that both either neglect her or choose to hurt her. Negligent parenting breeds children with a demented of lack of understanding of love, causing the dissension of the Breedlove family throughout the