Abstract

Toni Morrison, the most eminent African-American writer during the third “Black Waves” in American literature, was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1993. She is the first black woman writer to get the honorable reputation in the history of American literature. Her works focus on the marginalized life of the blacks, especially the black women, who are under the white Dominant culture. The Bluest Eye, her maiden work, published in 1970, has gotten high compliments since then.

This paper will discuss the novel based on the trauma theory. By analyzing the trauma and the recovery of the three female figures, the thesis tries to dig out the unspeakable pain inflicted on the mind of the main female figures in the novel and explains their efforts to work through trauma, Morrison’s attitude towards white cultural hegemony can be understood. Only by uttering their trauma and reserving the black culture can the black women get over the trauma. 

Key words: trauma theory；identity crisis；recovery 

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 Introduction-1

2 Literature Review-2

3 Trauma Theory-3

4 Three Traumatic Black Female Figures in The Bluest Eye.-5

4.1 Traumatic and Tragic Pecola-5

4.1.1 Trauma from Family Violence-6

4.1.2 Trauma from Racism-7

4.1.3 Symptom of Trauma and Failure in Recovery-8

4.2 Traumatic and Indifferent Polly-9

4.2.1 The Trauma of Family-9

4.2.2 The Trauma of Community Discrimination-10

4.3 Traumatic and Screwy Geraldine-11

4.3.1 Warped Love-11

4.3.2 Victim of Racism-11

5 Conclusion-12

References-14