In the book The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, the author shares a unique perspective on the experiences of Pecola Breedlove and her parents, highlighting the journey that leads a Black girl like Pecola to wish she had blue eyes. In the anthology Monument, Natasha Trethewey offers a distinct lens, presenting poems that showcase the experiences of working-class African American women, a mixed-race prostitute, a Black Civil War regiment, and other specific groups. In both Monument by Natasha Trethewey and The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, the authors employ heartfelt internal monologue to provide insight into the characters' feelings, use identity symbolism to highlight different aspects of identity, and create nostalgic and dreamlike imagery to deepen the reader's understanding. While they utilize similar literary devices, Trethewey uses them to portray a message about people's journeys with their cultural heritage and self-awareness, whereas Morrison conveys the destructive effects of social beauty standards.
Both authors delve into the emotional depths of their characters through heartfelt internal monologues. For instance, in "Self-Employment," Trethewey's portrayal emphasizes how the choices made in daily life affect self-presentation. Conversely, Morrison's narrative powerfully conveys the destructive effects of social beauty standards. In The Bluest Eye, on pages 203-204, Morrison shares the experience of a little girl named Pecola begging for her "blue eyes" due to normalized beauty standards that only classify pink-skinned and blonde-haired individuals as "beautiful." Pecola ponders society's standards, questioning, “But suppose my eyes are not blue enough? Blue enough for what? Blue enough for you” (Morrison 203). Based on societal standards of beauty, Pecola grapples with her self-worth because she is deeply attached to the notion of having "blue eyes." Morrison uses heartfelt internal monologue to illustrate Pecola's vulnerability as a little girl in a world where individuals who look like her are not considered beautiful.
The use of "you" accentuates the character's inner thoughts and emotions, facilitating readers' understanding of why Pecola seeks validation from others and even from herself. Morrison’s internal monologue raises awareness about the harmful effects of unfair beauty standards, revealing that a young Black girl like Pecola believes her acceptance hinges on possessing "bluest eyes." In contrast, Trethewey’s "Self-Employment" brings to light the significance of choices and daily routines in a person's life. Trethewey illustrates a woman grappling with which wig to wear, emphasizing the character's struggle with self-representation: “who to be today? So many choices… style after style perched, each on its Styrofoam head” (Trethewey 28). The phrase "Who to be today" highlights the struggle with self-representation and the longing to express various facets of identity.
Both Morrison and Trethewey utilize identity symbolism to emphasize different aspects of identity that resonate with readers on a vulnerable level. In The Bluest Eye, Claudia Macteer shares her perspective on the complexities of race and societal beauty standards. For instance, she recalls how, on Christmas, receiving a blue-eyed Baby Doll was perceived as a cherished gift. However, for her, the doll was fearsome, described with "moronic eyes," a "pancake face," and "orange worms for hair." This description symbolizes Claudia's rejection of societal beauty ideals and forces readers to confront the painful reality of racial identity and self-acceptance.
In conclusion, both Morrison and Trethewey use heartfelt internal monologue to demonstrate the characters' emotions; however, Morrison focuses on societal beauty standards and racial identity through the eyes of a young Black girl yearning for the features associated with white girls. In contrast, Trethewey directs attention to the daily choices affecting self-presentation. The paratext in The Bluest Eye reinforces the urgency of confronting societal beauty standards, as seen in the repetitive phrase, “LOOKLOOKHERECOMESAFRIENDTHEFRIENDWILLPLAYWITHJANETHEYWILLPLAYAGOODGAMEPLAYJANEPLAY” (Morrison 193). This phrase indicates the pressure imposed by societal expectations. On the other hand, Monument’s title “Self-Employment, 1970” underscores the themes of independent decision-making and the importance of self-approval. Through their works, both authors effectively explore the intersection of identity, societal expectations, and the quest for acceptance.
This score reflects strong content and analysis but suggests some improvements in clarity and precision in writing.