1 of 13

Slide Notes

DownloadGo Live

The Bluest Eye: Structure and Symbolism

Published on Nov 18, 2015

An overview of how to deconstruct "The Bluest Eye" for meaning from its abstract elements

View Outline

MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

1.

"The Bluest Eye"

Photo by Trish Hamme
2.

Examine the framework for a key into this novel.

Photo by Muffet
3.

Opening lines of text from a children's reader suggest plot lines and themes about family and home.

Photo by frankieleon
4.

See Dick. See Jane.
Reader! Read the words.
seewordsruntogether. Why? Does this confusion mimic parts of the book?

Photo by frankieleon
5.

The book has four sections,
each named for a season.

Photo by Jeff Kubina
6.

What ideas does each section "harvest"?

Photo by Jeff Kubina
7.

See all the blonde and blue-eyed symbolism.

Photo by jbcurio
8.

The Breck girl

Here is an ad campaign popular from 1935-1970.
9.

Shirley Temple

Here is the cup, the cup Pecola used for milk.
Photo by a75
10.

Imitation of Life

Here is Pecola's original namesake from
Photo by The Bees Knees Daily
11.

See
the
scars:
Internal.
External.

Photo by Shirin Winiger
12.

Structure and Symbolism

  • A children's primer serves as preface.
  • Lines haunt chapter headings.
  • Four sections. Each named for a season.
  • "Blondeness" shadows each character.
  • Scars and anger permeate the book.
Photo by Chris Yarzab
13.

"The Bluest Eye"
Examine the framework for a way into this novel.

Photo by Muffet

Linda Pack Butler