ASPECTS OF IDENTITY IN TONI MORRISON’S NOVELS THE BLUEST EYE AND SULA

Authors: Iva Donelli, Gordan Matas

Paper categorization: Original scientific paper

DOI: https://ffst.unist.hr/en/skolski_vjesnik/archives/2021/sv_70_1/70_1_4

2021. Vol. 70, No. 1. – I.-Donelli-G.-Matas

Abstract:

This paper analyzes Toni Morrison’s novels The Bluest Eye (1970) and Sula (1974) from the standpoint of developmental psychology. Morrison’s works can be viewed as an amalgam of social and emotional themes which play a major role in the identity construction of the author’s characters. The Ecological Systems Theory proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner will thus be en[1]gaged to observe how the identities of Morrison’s characters are being shaped in the novels. The analyses of the five systems on which Bronfenbrenner’s model is grounded will explain what is needed for Morrison’s characters to create a sustainable identity

Keywords:

ecology, identity construction, psychology, Toni Morrison