Understanding is the way

(Um, I kind of wrote an essay … don’t read this post if you’re looking for something short and sweet.)         

Confusion is one of the most terrifying difficulties to face.  With enough clarity, a solution can be found to any problem; without understanding, hope is scarce.  Throughout The Bluest Eye, Morrison encourages the realization that comprehension is already present, and that a solution can therefore be found if initiative is taken.

When Soaphead Church writes a letter to God, Morrison shows a surprising depth of understanding in the man of an otherwise twisted mind.  Reflecting on his past attempts to be something he was not, Church writes, “We were not royal but snobbish, not aristocratic but class-conscious” (Morrison 177).  Morrison juxtaposes these similar words of differing connotation to demonstrate the clarity Church has found.   He realizes as he reminisces on the errors he committed in his attempts to be white as he perceived white to be, and avoid being black as he perceived black to be, the truth: he needed to accept his black heritage to truly be the best he could be.  If only he had realized it sooner, things could be different, as he writes, “Now.” (Morrison 177)

Cholly knows subconsciously what does not occur consciously to him – the reason he hates his own people, the black, instead of the white.  Morrison describes with a simile how his hatred “would have burned him up like a piece of soft coal” (Morrison 151) if directed toward the white men who were truly to blame for his shame.  Cholly feels internally the truth: he does not risk the peril of hating those who have power over him because hating those who do not command such power is easier.  His misdirected animosity towards the members of his own race is destructive both to himself and to others.  If only he had listened to what he heard from within.

When Pecola is tricked into poisoning a dog, the dog looks at her with “soft triangle eyes.” (Morrison 176).  Morrison chooses these two adjectives to indicate two related aspects of the dog’s gaze that are central to Morrison’s message: soft represents forgiveness, and triangle is an ancient symbol for change.  As poison destroys his body, the dog communicates this hopeful message to Pecola: forgiveness for actions past can lead to change for the future. 

For all of Morrison’s characters, it is too late to save themselves.  However, there is an extant chance that those for whom there is still time can save themselves and all those around them.  Understanding is present in all, but action present in few.  If only people can find it within themselves to accept their instinctual understanding and put the past behind them, change will be at hand, so that all might proclaim, “Thank God Almighty, we’re free at last.”

[Does anyone remember whom that quote is from?:)]