Reflecting on "The Bluest Eye"

On Friday we went to the Black Rep in Providence for a production of “The Bluest Eye,” a theatrical adaptation of Toni Morrison’s highly acclaimed novel. The play was well written and the acting was superb, this combined with the intimate space and emotional content of the play to create a very moving learning experience.

Here are some reflections from the students:

“My initial reaction to the play was that it was well acted out and addressed an essential social issue.”

“‘The Bluest Eye’ takes place in the forties, where there were a lot of racial disparities in America. Feeling black and ugly, Pecola was trapped in a world where having blonde hair and blue eyes were the only way to be normal... I was astounded by each scene... Overall, the play made me look at myself and think about the times where I’ve been mistreated, called a mean name, or jealous of another person. I can relate to Pecola because there have been times where I have felt insecure.”

The play relates to “‘The Souls of Black Girls.’ In the movie black girls talked about their selves, how they feel about the way they look. In the play Picola was obsessed with the way she looked. I think all around the world girls are very concerned with the way they look and most of them want to change a flaw about them.”

“Once I read this book that was about a Jewish girl and she and her mom had to run away because the Nazis were after them and the girl wished she was not Jewish but I guess she could not change that... This happens in the world because people see other people that are popular and they want to be like them but sometimes it is something they can not change about themselves like their eye color or the color of their skin.”

The play connects to the real world because “most of the topics from the play are some problems that people do go through, like being made fun of , or hated, or raped and pregnant at a young age.”

“The play was very relatable and interesting. I learned things about myself from watching the play. I can relate to every character and understand their behavior. It made me think about my life in a different way. Everyone wants to be accepted for who they are. I am fortunate for my life and the people who love me.”

“I think the message may have been... be who you are, be happy with the way you look, and don’t get caught up with your looks.”

“I think that the message is to be yourself and love yourself just the way you are.”