Race and Gender in Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye”

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Race and Gender in the African American Literature
• Socio-historical Context of The Bluest Eye
• Aesthetic Form of The Bluest Eye
• Racism in The Bluest Eye
  • Anti-black Racism
  • Internalized Racism
    • Black Femininity
      • Black Girlhood
      • Black Womanhood
    • Black Masculinity
  • The Tragic Outcome

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis analyzes the complex interplay of race and gender in Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring how these social constructs shaped the experiences of African American women in the United States. It aims to demonstrate the devastating consequences of internalized racism and how societal beauty standards contribute to self-destruction. The thesis also examines the unique perspectives of Black girlhood and womanhood, and the impact of racism on Black masculinity.

• The intersection of race and gender in African American literature
• The socio-historical context of "The Bluest Eye" and its influences
• The aesthetic form of the novel, including its unique structure and narrative techniques
• The various forms of racism, including anti-black racism and internalized racism, within the novel
• The tragic consequences of internalized racism and societal beauty standards on African American individuals

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter provides an overview of the concepts of race and gender in African American literature, establishing the context for Morrison's work. The second chapter explores the socio-historical context of the novel's setting, highlighting the cultural and political influences that shaped the story. The third chapter delves into the innovative aesthetic form of "The Bluest Eye," examining its unique structure and narrative techniques. The fourth chapter examines racism in its complexities, exploring both anti-black racism and internalized racism.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on key themes and concepts such as race, gender, African American literature, Toni Morrison, "The Bluest Eye," internalized racism, beauty standards, Black girlhood, Black womanhood, Black masculinity, societal oppression, and psychological survival.