The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, is the first novel written by author Toni Morrison. Morrison is an acclaimed African American novelist, Pulitzer, and Nobel Prize winner whose works are praised for addressing the harsh consequences of racism in the US.
The novel, which takes place in Lorain, Ohio, tells the life of a young African-American girl named Pecola who grows up during the years following the Great Depression. Set in 1941, the story reveals that due to her mannerisms and dark skin, she is consistently regarded as "ugly". As a result, she develops an inferiority complex, which fuels her desire for the blue eyes she equates with "whiteness". The point of view of the novel switches between various perspectives of Claudia MacTeer, the daughter of Pecola's foster parents, at different stages in her life. In addition, there is an omniscient third-person narrative which includes inset narratives in the first person.
The Bluest Eye' has a strong plot construction. The whole story is told through the character of Claudia, She represents as a child and an adult as well as the third person. There are total 11 chapters in the novel connected logically. 'The Bluest Eye' is a rich in symbolism. Morrison has made use of many symbols like 'Home' that symbolizes the contrast life of two black or Negro girls. While the title 'The Bluest Eye' itself is a symbolic one that suggests Pecola's strong desire of blue eyes. It stands for beauty as well as sadness. Another impotant symbols 'Marygold' it symbolises the well fare life of Claudia and Frieda as well as it symbolises the deathe of Pacola's baby.
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