Topics for Further Study
- Investigate the life and career of Shirley Temple, the child star whom Pecola views as the embodiment of female beauty. What aspects of Shirley Temple made her adored by white society? Then, analyze Pecola's admiration for Shirley Temple. How does Pecola's idolization of Shirley Temple influence her throughout the novel?
- Many critics regard The Bluest Eye as a bildungsroman, a narrative that depicts a character's coming-of-age journey. Examine how both Claudia and Pecola mature within the story. Why do they evolve into vastly different individuals despite sharing numerous similar experiences?
- Although The Bluest Eye is not set in the South, several characters in the novel endure racism. Research the conditions for African Americans in both the North and South during the 1940s, and compare your findings to the experiences of characters in the book.
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