Morrison's Bluest Eye Essay: The American Way

In her novel The Bluest Eye, Morrison illustrates how ownership, class structures, and consumerism are interconnected and shape the characters' identities. Many characters define themselves by their material possessions, such as cars, consumer products, and property. However, Morrison also highlights the contradiction of class status among the characters, as beauty determines social stratification. The Fishers, a white family, are at the top of the class hierarchy, while Rosemary, who has Italian features but is classified as white, is on the same level as Frieda and Claudia. The opening scene of the novel depicts envy and competition among the characters, as they all want to be superior to one another. Morrison's commentary on consumerism and ownership is further explored in the works cited, including an interview with Morrison herself.