For example, Toni Morrison, in her critical text Playing in the Dark, has argued that everything that constitutes whiteness as a racial identity--from the national literature of the United States to its Constitution to the daily practices of its citizens--is a response to the absent/objectified presence of the black Other or, in her words, "to a dark, abiding, signing Africanist presence" (5). ... Extending Morrison's claims about race to gender, I would say that gender opposition--though, again, misrecognized--has allowed for a self-narrative of men. ...

• Word Count: 301
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Beauty plays a highly influential role through Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye. Morrison's novel highlights the ideals of the south in the 1940's, displaying middle to upper-class ideals of beauty - which seem centered upon whiteness and proves to be harmful to young black girls living in this time. ... In The Bluest Eye, Morrison refers to these traits of nature as "funk". ...

• Word Count: 940
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In the Bluest Eye, Toni Morrison uses abuse and hardship to show the tragic consequences that come from racism. ... Toni Morrison describes the conditions under which African-Americans in general and Pecola in particular are forced to live. ... Toni Morrison shows us what racism produces in the Bluest Eye. ...

• Word Count: 971
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

The Song of Solomon is a novel written by Toni Morrison (Chloe Anthony Wofford) in 1977. It evolved from the grief she had over the death of her father. Ms. Morrison grew up in a time where there was noticeable hostility and racism towards black people. She learned early on that to be able to surviv...

• Word Count: 548
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

Song of Solomon is considered to be Toni Morrison's masterpiece and won her a Nobel Prize in literature. In this novel, Morrison is able to weave together magic and folklore while still portraying the black community's real struggle and most importantly never leaving touch with her protagonists epic quest, all these coming together to create a truly incredible read. ...

• Word Count: 784
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

In Toni Morrison's Tar Baby, the central character, Jadine, is constantly being judged by her race, and because of her cultural background, the judgment does not only come from the Caucasian people she meets, but also all the many African Americans in her life. ... Toni Morrison weaves such a strong theme into an entertaining and enjoyable book incredibly successfully. ... Morrison has a strong voice and style that make the writing come alive, as well as bringing the theme across to the reader with a stronger tone. ...

• Word Count: 1878
• Approx Pages: 8