We are introduced to Pecola by a third person narrative giving us a view of her physical features as a young black girl, estimated age would be 12. She is from a poor violent household who in regards to society are ugly beings. Due to Pecola’s family and class we notice the way people/students treat her like a disease they do not want to touch or a girl they wish never to associate with in terms of love. “But her blackness is static and dread. And it is the blackness that accounts for, that creates, the vacuum edged distaste in white eyes. ” The elements contribute to our understanding of the texts theme by allowing us to to understand the girls wish to understand how to love and be loved. She believes having blue eyes will change her life when in reality that will never happen, you must love yourself to be loved rather then self loathe which is what she does.
Professor Laura Westengard
Email: lwestengard@citytech.cuny.edu
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I did the same question too and i totally agree with you. we are all brain washed by looking good, like myself. However, Pecola is a little bit too much because she feels insecure. I blame media :). “Just the Way you are” – Bruno Mars
Yes, Anwar. All of these elements you describe indicate an internalization of racism within Pecola’s community. If she is mocked and alienated because of her blackness and white movie stars are loved because of their physical appearance, it makes sense in her young mind that she would be loved if only she should change her appearance.