The relationship between physical environments and black female representation in the novel The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison: an intersectional analysis of Pecola Breedlove’s trajectory

Abstract

The novel The Bluest Eye, written by Toni Morrison, delves into various aspects, including the issues of racial segregation and violence against African-American women. This article aims to analyze the representation of space in the novel, particularly focusing on how the character Pecola Breedlove is portrayed within these environments. Additionally, it seeks to explore how these spaces are configured as both places of topophilia and topophobia. The findings indicate that inhospitable environments profoundly affect the protagonist physically and emotionally. This condition reflects the complex intersectional conflicts involving gender, race and sex, which significantly contribute to Pecola Breedlove's self-loathing process.