Question+2

Discuss the ways in which information about characters’ backgrounds is presented.

Morrison has an unusual and unique way of presenting information about characters’ backgrounds to the readers. She introduces characters like Pauline and Cholly contextually (they’re referenced in other parts of the book), but she delves into their background later. This has the effect of allowing the reader to see multiple sides of each character, which often surprises the reader. For example, Cholly is introduced through his despicable acts towards Pecola, and most readers would render judgment on those acts—however, Morrison then presents Cholly’s background, which allows the readers to sympathize with Cholly. This feeling of sympathy surprises the reader, as no one expects to ever feel pity for an incestuous pedophile. The feeling of surprise is surprisingly important as it reminds the reader that he or she shouldn’t jump to conclusions about characters, and that not everything is black and white (protagonist/antagonist). Another way that information is presented is through gossip; many of the older people often talk about background information and rumors that they hear around town. As readers, we hear this information through the ear of a child narrator who listens into these conversations. The use of this device helps show the ruptures that divide the community. Adults do not converse openly, but instead trade in gossip and rumors. In //The Bluest Eye//, Toni Morrison uses a number of methods to reveal the backgrounds of characters within the novel. Morrison’s methods mostly revolve around using different types of narration to reveal character background. When revealing character background, Morrison generally starts off by painting a character in a negative light, such as by revealing Cholly’s misdeed and Pauline’s rough behaviour towards her family. Gradually, Morrison goes back to the character’s childhood to reveal the experiences that shaped the character, in an effort to show the multiple aspects of one’s background in influencing his/her character. One technique of revealing character background is using the omniscient narrator. The omniscient narrator, unlike the limited narration by Claudia, allows the reader a wider scope in gaining knowledge about a character. The use of the omniscient narrator allows the reader to learn about the characters present behaviour as well as past background. One technique used by Morrison is switching the narration from the child narrator (Claudia) or the omniscient narrator to that of that of the character itself. When divulging in further details about Pauline’s background in ‘Spring,’ Morrison embeds sections narrated by Pauline into the narrative to allow the reader to see from Pauline’s perspective. From her word choice, colloquial language, tone and topics she talks about, the reader learns more about Pauline’s childhood and the development of her relationship with Cholly. Gossip, or information spread through word-of-mouth is another method used in the novel to reveal information about character background. In the beginning of the novel, Frieda and Claudia learn about Mr. Henry’s background by eavesdropping on the conversations between adults. Learning information through gossip, however, provides a biased viewpoint of a character and his/her background because it influences the other characters and also the reader’s perception of that character. 