The Bluest Eye
Toni MorrisonThe Bluest Eye themesPecola BreedloveAfrican American literatureracism beauty standards
Toni Morrison's debut novel, "The Bluest Eye," tells the poignant story of Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl in 1940s Ohio who believes having blue eyes will make her beautiful and loved. This powerful work explores the devastating effects of racism, societal beauty standards, and internalized oppression on identity and self-worth. It remains a foundational text in African American literature, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, class, and the nature of beauty.