The Bluest Eye

Through works of literature, past events can positively or negatively shape a character in societal and personal manners. Often, authors provide insight into a character’s history in order to justify their current condition. In The Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison’s use of characterization and background information of Cholly and Pauline Breedlove contributes to their present actions, attitudes, and values.

Morrison’s descriptions of Cholly Breedlove’s past creates justification for his evil persona. Throughout the story, Cholly represents a broken man, who involves himself in many inappropriate events. His abuse towards his wife and children, as well as the incidents of rape, gives the reader the idea than an underlying cause is beneath the surface. Such events are revealed in Cholly’s life, including the abandonment from his mother, the death of his great aunt, humiliation by two white men, and the lack of growing up with a father figure. Soon after his birth, Cholly’s mother deserted him on a trash heap and his Aunt Jimmy rescues him. Growing up and not knowing his biological mother le...