Justine+Connection+2

The Skrebneski photo demonstrates the absurdity of societal perceptions of beauty presented in the book. While the diamonds and blue sapphire are beautiful, the black models face is more stunning. I think that this is the fundamental concept that Morrison wants us to recognize. There is no specific definition of beauty. Beauty is whatever inspires. Whatever brings light to the world. Some cultures view pale skin as being most attractive. Others view tan skin as the epitome of beauty. Beauty in this sense differs among societies. Pecola obsesses over blue eyes. Morrison points out the blandness of such a basic idea of beauty through her intercalary ryming verses about Alice and Jerry.

//Bird// by Jackson Pollock reminds me of //The Bluest Eye// in that it illustrates Pecola’s situation. Her life is filled with chaos and struggle. As a young girl she experiences so many different challenges. The bottom half of the painting reminds me of her struggle to survive in a bizarre and hectic world. The eye looming above signifies the pressure and desire Pecola experiences to have blue eyes. Although she should probably find beauty in herself instead of idealize something she can never have naturally I feel that her desire to obtain blue eyes gives her something to dream for. Blue eyes are something worth living for and her constant drive to obtain them.

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