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Toni Morrison's "Tar Baby", 1991.
This paper analyzes the character of Son, his relationship with Jadine Childs, his values and views on whites in Toni Morrison's "Tar Baby".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Toni Morrison's "Tar Baby" is a powerful novel about what it means to be black in contemporary times, and to get this point across the author concentrates on the character of Son, and his relationship with Jadine Childs.
Son is the surrogate son of Valerian Street, a retired candy tycoon, and his wife Margaret. They live on the Caribbean island of Isle des Chevaliers, and they take Son in when their own son, Michael, refuses to join them for the Christmas holidays.
In certain symbolic terms, Son comes to represent the black man, as he relates to his environment. Son has jumped ship at the island and he is on the run from the law. When he finds himself at the Street estate, he immediately falls in love with Jadine."
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'Tar Baby', 2006.
A review of the character Jadine of Toni Morrison's 'Tar Baby', and her volatile relationship with the character Son.
997 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the book 'Tar Baby' by Toni Morrison. The paper focuses primarily on the relationship between the characters Jadine and Son, and how Jadine seems to be caught between two worlds. The paper discusses how the novel confronts various racial issues pertaining to culture and values.
From the Paper
"Ultimately, Morrison does not suggest that one character is right and the other wrong in this contention between the two lovers. Morrison suggests that each character's worldview is somewhat limited. Son sees only stereotypes of how women ought to behave, while Jadine only sees Black society as limiting, because it lacks the opportunities for educational and economic advancement that she equates with personal success, an equation that leaves out matters of the heart and body. But Son demands the same right to tell Jadine what is right and wrong as Whites have over Black servants. Morrison implies that such tyranny is wrong, in either capacity, although the unattractive portraits of the Whites in the book, such as Margaret Street, cause the reader to feel more emotionally sympathetic to Son, until he acts quite brutally towards Jadine in a sexual fashion."
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Toni Morrison?s "The Bluest Eye", 2005.
This paper discusses Toni Morrison's fiction "The Bluest Eye", based partially on Toni Morrison's life.
1,315 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in the novel "The Bluest Eye", Toni Morrison expresses the helplessness of the girls, who face racial discrimination and hate white culture but imitate it anyway because the white culture is considered good and beautiful and the black culture is considered bad and ugly. The author points out that Morrison in her own life was not from the poor class but rather from the African-American middle class, like the McTeers. The paper relates that the rape of Pecola by her father is not autobiographical but may have been based on things Morrison could have seen or believed possible, within the poorer parts of the African-American community in her own childhood in the 1940s.
From the Paper
"The main characters in the story are three girls, Claudia and Frieda McTeer (sisters in a black family), and Pecola Breedlove, a poor girl who is staying with the McTeers because of abuse at her house. One of the first traumatic things happens in this book is when Pecola gets her first period. This is a normal thing, but it is traumatic for Pecola because she never heard about it at home. So Pecola thinks she is bleeding to death. Mainly as far as the future parts of the book, this means if she is raped again she could have a baby (forshadowing). Later in the book, after Pecola goes back home, she is raped again by her father, gets pregnant, and later goes mad. This shows how black girls in this environment never have a chance, even in their own houses. "
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved", 2002.
This paper applies the theories of Jacque Lacan to Toni Morrison's "Beloved".
2,900 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 106.95
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Abstract
This paper considers the ways in which the theories of Jacques Lacan 1901-1981) can be applied to Toni Morrison's "Beloved". This author discusses Lacan evaluation of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" as being "said softly and with such kindness".
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Archetypes in Toni Morrison?s "Beloved", 2001.
This paper discusses Toni Morrison's systematic use of archetypes in her novel, "Beloved."
2,315 words (approx. 9.3 pages), 3 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the use archetypes of ghosts and premonitions in Toni Morrison's "Beloved." It shows the influence of Dr. Carl Yung, and how the human psyche is easily manipulated. It explores the context and background of the story and how the use of archetypes plays into the character traits and storyline.
From the paper:
"'Dreaming men are haunted men,' wrote Stephen St. Vincent Benet, and the characters in Toni Morrison?s 'Beloved' might well agree with the poet?s statement. Of course, most of us are dreamers, and we therefore might well posit that we are haunted by dreams. What sets each of us apart is the things we dream about ? and so the things that we are haunted by. Our dreams ? our hauntings ? are specific to our own lives, our own experiences. But they may also be far more general than we suppose them to be, the result of what psychologist Carl Jung would call archetypes, a term made generally popular by Joseph Campbell in his exploration of commonalities that he discovered in the myths, religions, and arts of what are in many ways widely divergent cultures."
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Toni Morrison's ?Beloved?, 2004.
This paper reviews Toni Morrison's ?Beloved?, a book about a community of people fleeing from their pasts.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, after learning what the characters in Toni Morrison's ?Beloved? are running from, it becomes apparent that no one can deal with the burden of past memories alone. The author points out that the repeated uses of "everybody", "their", and "they" in the final chapter seems to expand the focus of the book from the residents of ?124? to the community as a whole. The paper relates that, when it comes to painful and destructive memories, it is best to, in the words of Baby Suggs, ?lay ?em down,? and focus one?s attention on creating something better.
From the Paper
"Baby Suggs is a prominent figure in the community with an intolerable present and past, who learned early on the effects of dealing with difficulties alone. Baby withdrew from the community, and lost its support. If the weakness Baby suffered from their disapproval was not enough, the family was hit with another blow when Sethe was imprisoned. As Sethe is taken away by the sheriff, the community who already looked unfavorably upon the family they thought of as prideful, asked, "Was her head a bit too high? Her back a little too straight?" "
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Toni Morrison as an Author, 2003.
A look at Toni Morrison's life, career and literary works.
1,420 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper recounts Toni Morrison's acclaimed career as an author. It focuses particularly on how many of the characters, settings and themes in her narratives reflect her own background in particular and the African-American experience in general. The paper examines works such as "Beloved", "The Bluest Eye", and "Perfect Love". In conclusion, the paper claims that it is Morrison's combination of themes, her lifelike characters, and her settings that have made her a successful author.
Table of Contents:
Morrison's Background
Studying the Characters of Morrison's Books
Looking at the Settings Found in Morrison's Narratives
Themes in the Narratives Build Her Voice as an Author
From the Paper
"Reading any of Morrison's books will show how she used characters to portray the narrative she is telling. For instance, consider her short story of "Recitatif." Imagine a "white" little girl who rooms for the first time with an "African-American" little girl. Morrison does not tell which little girl is white or which one is black. She uses her characterization to emphasize her theme of racism in this story. Morrison has the ability to create characters that fit the story. "In her five subsequent novels, she established herself as one of America's leading fiction writers, a gifted, popular storyteller whose troubled characters and their struggles expose the fault lines of a society built on a racial prejudice" (Grimes). These characters touch the heart of the reader and the reader is able to see the imaginary characters as they turn page after page. Take the character of Pecola's in the novel, "The Bluest Eye," the way Morrison shows allows the readers to feel the sorrow she has (Caldwell). Or, perhaps consider the story of "Beloved." "Beloved is actually written about an African-American woman who escaped to Ohio, but when they were going to take her back as a slave she killed her child rather than let it suffer the tragedy of being a slave (Toni Morrison). Sethe believes it would be better for her baby to be dead rather than face the horrors involved in slavery. The story ends with Sethe realizing she has a future and that life can get better."
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'Love' by Toni Morrison, 2006.
This paper discusses major themes in the novel 'Love' by Toni Morrison.
3,275 words (approx. 13.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that Toni Morrison's novel 'Love' is far from being a simple love story. Instead, the writer claims that it is a novel that delves into several major themes related to the family. This includes issues of child abuse and neglect, issues related to families and extended families, rape and violence against women, the role of the father in a family and the role of friendship. Each of these major themes are considered, with the discussion showing how the novel deals with each theme and what Morrison is suggesting about each of the issues.
Contents:
Child Abuse and Neglect
Family and Extended Family
Rape and Violence Against Women
The Role of the Father
The Role of Friendship
From the Paper
"One of the interesting things about Cosey's family is how the family is created by Cosey's decisions, while all the members of the family have to live with his decisions. This is clearly seen in Cosey's marriage to Heed, which Christine has to cope with. Christine is Cosey's granddaughter, so she cannot escape being part of Cosey's family. When Cosey decides to marry Heed, Cosey and Heed become linked as family. This relationship is always based on conflict as both women continue to reject each other. Yet as much as they continue to reject each other, they can never escape from each other. Cosey's decisions have linked them as family whether they like it or not. This is made especially clear when Christine is described deciding to leave, with Morrison describing her as thinking "Put on your shoes, old man, and look at me good now, because you will never see me again". This is more than just a statement about not seeing Cosey. It is also a statement about leaving her family forever."
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William Faulkner and Toni Morrison, 2004.
Examines the influence of author William Faulkner on the African-American writer, Toni Morrison.
600 words (approx. 2.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 21.95
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Abstract
Writers are often influenced by their predecessors, and Toni Morrison is no different. The type of work first immortalized by William Faulkner is clearly evident in her novels, and she not only uses some of the same techniques, but takes them to new levels. This paper shows that both Faulkner and Morrison write in a complex dialect and stylized manner that can be difficult to decipher on a superficial level. Both writers cover similar subject matter in their novels: complex familial relationships, including incest. The paper also shows that Faulkner and Morrison both frequently address issues of race and identity in post-slavery America.
From the Paper
"Black characters populate the novels of both Faulkner and Morrison, and they speak in the natural rhythms of their dialect. In Go Down, Moses, the use of dialect is apparent when a black man speaks: ??Ha,? Tomey?s Turl said. ?And nem you mind that neither. I got protection now. All I needs to do is to keep Old Buck from ketching me unto I gets the word?? (Moses 12). This use of dialect is also seen in Morrison?s novels, including The Bluest Eye: ??Dillinger wouldn?t have come near you lessen he was going hunting in Africa and shoot you for a hippo?? (Bluest 54). For both novelists, the use of dialect helps create the reality of being black."
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Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye", 2006.
An analysis of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" in terms of its message about sexuality and beauty.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 62.95
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Abstract
When it first burst onto the literary scene in 1970, Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" became an immediate sensation that brought to light the quiet desperation of many African-Americans living in the twentieth-century United States. With that in mind, this paper examines the issues of beauty, sexuality and male perversion that inform Morrison's text. In so doing, the paper examines the curious relationship between sex and beauty in the novel as well what it means for the tragic character of Pecola. Additionally, the paper looks at what racially-charged models of beauty mean for young African-American women and how the ugly idea that beauty could only be beautiful if it was/is white impacts Pecola's life in ways that are ultimately devastating.
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", 2008.
Compares Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars, as heroic literature.
1,450 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper introduces the heroic elements of the plots of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" and "The Epic of Gilgamesh", translated by N. K. Sandars. The writer explains that "The Epic of Gilgamesh", considered to be the first tale of a mortal hero, contains themes similar to biblical stories just as Morrison uses similarities of the biblical Cain to shape her main protagonist Sethe. The writer also explains that Morrison tries to break stereotypes through Sethe; while, Sanders in the "Epic" attempts to shatter the image of the vulnerability of male heroes. Both stories can be treated as literary landmarks because these characters defy the convention of a typical hero.
Table of Contents:
The Gilgamesh Epic
The Tale of Beloved
The Ideas of a Hero/Heroine
From the Paper
"Morrison also shows indebtedness to African American and African traditions and mythologies. Toni Morrison in her book has given a new style to fiction and the whole work is very imaginative and thought provoking. The typical master slave image of a strong man or a woman with a strong and healthy body but with a very servile attitude was prevalent but came the decade of 1910s that the African Americans started rebelling against the stereotypes and typical gender and racial roles associated with them. Toni used flight of the imagination and mythic elements along with realistic portrayal of racial, gender and class conflict."
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Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye", 2007.
An analysis of Toni Morrison's controversial first novel "The Bluest Eye".
932 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes Toni Morrison's novel "The Bluest Eye". The writer explains how this book doesn't belittle the characteristics of its individuals, nor does it place judgment on their actions; rather, the book emphasizes the influence of past suffering and circumstances - exploring how things came to be instead of why they came to be. The writer suggests that "The Bluest Eye" is a quintessential demonstration of the inflexibility of the world. The writer further discusses how Morrison keeps herself from blaming the plight of characters like Cholly and Pecola on any one person or action. The writer concludes that the characters' sufferings construct themselves from a mesh of negative events that were woven together by circumstances; circumstances that were created from Morrison's world - a world that seems more inclined to create misery than it does to create joy.
From the Paper
"The universe of The Bluest Eye is the bigot; it is the spawn of prejudice, the breeder of hate and racism; it shrivels the seeds of flowers just as easily as it shrivels a human baby. Morrison constructs a world hostile to human life, one that sets up humanity to suffer by endorsement of the cruel and perversion of the beautiful.
Pauline's dream is beautiful. She dreams of a male protector, an ethereal and heavenly thing that will wash away her worries and lift her up into happiness. He is a "Presence, an all-embracing tenderness with strength and a promise of rest....She had only to lay her head on his chest and he would lead her away...forever" (113). This dream seems fulfilled when Cholly happens upon her on the side of the road one day, but this chance encounter is a cruel ploy of circumstance."
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Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" and "Sula", 2007.
Looks at the maternal figures in two of Toni Morrison's writings: "The Bluest Eye" and "Sula".
870 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the strong maternal characters in Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" and "Sula" each have different ways of mothering their children, yet have something in common with one another. The author points out that each woman has had to endure some sort of suffering, which helped create the type of woman she is within the novel. The paper relates how Morrison depicts the internal suffering, which leads Pauline Breedlove in "The Bluest Eye" to be strong and Eva Peace in "Sula" to be powerful.
From the Paper
"Pauline's suffering as both a young girl and a woman causes her to become hard and strong with her family, The Fishers and her community members. Pauline is ostracized by the black women in her community, so she embarrasses them by becoming a better Christian than they are. She is humiliated by Cholly and the ugliness of her children, so she works for a rich white family with a pretty little girl. This suffering enables her to become a harder worker and a stronger mother figure to both her children and the Fisher's little girl."
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Toni Morrison's "Beloved", 2006.
This paper analyzes the themes of bondage and freedom in "Beloved" by Toni Morrison.
1,950 words (approx. 7.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, in Toni Morrison's "Beloved", the concepts of bondage and freedom are inextricably linked to the process of forgetting and remembering in the book. The author points out that "Beloved", which won a Pulitzer Prize for literature, is a haunting novel of racism, freedom, slavery and the past that give the reader new insight into the nightmare of slavery and the wonderful promise of freedom. The paper relates that the book graphically illustrates the importance of freedom and that it is impossible for someone who has suffered the worst indignities to forget the past and move on toward the future.
From the Paper
"While the characters all try desperately to forget the past, they are not interested in the future, and this places them in a kind of "limbo." They are constantly reminded of the past, they cannot deal with it, and yet their lives hold no hope for the future. Sethe thinks to herself at one point, "But her brain was not interested in the future. Loaded with the past and hungry for more, it left her no room to imagine, let alone plan for, the next day. Exactly like that afternoon in the wild onions - where one more step was the most she could see of the future." Sethe and Denver really have no future, and they know that. Sethe will never find acceptance in a town that shuns her and neither will Denver. "
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"Jazz" by Toni Morrison, 2003.
Examines Toni Morrison's "Jazz" as a search for the African-American continuum.
1,345 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains how Toni Morrison uses jazz and histories to explain African American displacement. t also looks at how the characters use jazz and the image of Dorcas to bring their identities full-circle. It examines, in particular, Joe and Violet's deconstruction and reconstruction and how this relates to the larger story of African American history.
From the Paper
"The story begins with the outcome of the character?s displacement, a murder and an attempt at a dead girl?s mutilation. Right away the reader sees the fracture which converges in acts of violence. How it came to this point is where the story lies, found in pieces hoping to be put together, Violet?s crack and Joe?s traces. Along with the history that could allow these individuals to come such a state; the brutalized body of slavery and post-Civil War oppression. Morrison tries to find a restructured identity in which lies the power to heal. Dorcas and jazz are instruments towards that healing (Jones 481)."
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