The Bluest Eye

THE BLUEST EYE


Claudia and Percola both were born into black working class families. Both of these families struggle to hold a place in society, to earn respect and courtesy. The Mac Teer family work hard, never stopping for sickness or exhaustion, the children are given no special consideration, they have to contribute just as much as the adults.
‘Adults do not talk to us – they give us directions. They issue orders without providing information. When we trip and fall down they glance at us; if we cut or bruise ourselves they ask us are we crazy. When we catch colds, they shake their heads in disgust at our lack of consideration. How, they ask us, do you expect anybody to get anything done if you are all sick? We cannot answer them. Our illness is treated with contempt, foul Black Draught, and castor oil that blunts our minds.’

When first reading the novel I was shocked by how cold and unfeeling Claudia and Frieda’s mother acted towards them, she was rough and strict ...