Racial Differences In Recitatif, By Toni Morrison

565 Words2 Pages

Racial Differences The difference of color is seen through the eyes, but the formulation of racial judgement and discrimination is developed in the subconscious mind. Toni Morrison’s short story “Recitatif (1983)” explores the racial difference and challenges that both Twyla and Roberta experience. Morrison’s novels such as “Beloved”, “The Bluest Eye”, and her short story “Recitatif” are all centered around the issues and hardships of racism. The first time that Twyla and Roberta met Twyla makes a racial remake or stereotype about the texture and smell of Roberta’s hair. Although they both were in the orphanage because of similar situations, Twyla instantly finds a racial difference. The racial differences between Twyla and Roberta affects their friendship, personal views of each other, and relationship with their husbands. Both Twyla and Roberta’s perception of another changes every time they interact with each other. The interaction is not quite what Twyla expects it to be the first time they meet, Roberta acts as if she does not really want to speak to Twyla. “There was this silence that came down right after I laughed. A silence it was her turn to fill up… I was dismissed …show more content…

Twyla drives by and happens to see Roberta protesting on the integration of their children’s school. Twyla is confused as to why Roberta would be against this issue. “What are you doing? Picketing. What’s it look like…I wonder what made you think you were different. .. I swayed back and forth like a sideways yo-yo. Automatically I reached for Roberta…My arm shot out of the car window but no receiving hand was there.” (Recitatif 256-257). Not only did Twyla finally see the differences of perspectives but once she started getting attacked she was looking for Roberta’s help but she realized she was not there to help

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