BLACK FEMINISM AND THE QUEST FOR IDENTITY IN TONI MORRISON’S SULA AND THE BLUEST EYE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present research focuses on how racism and patriarchy influenced the development and formation of black female identity in Toni Morrison’s novels, namely The Bluest Eye and Sula. Morrison’s novels represent the way racial and gender stereotypes affect the quest for individual identity and selfhood establishment of the black female. Thus, the chief aim of this study is to develop a strong understanding of the different crucial aspects that influence the female character’s identity realization. The study employs Black Feminist theory to examine the black female harsh experiences in a society dominated by white supremacy and patriarchy. Accordingly, the first chapter is devoted to investigate the African American experience of racism and patriarchy. The second chapter is an attempt to analyse Toni Morrison’s representation of black female suffering and journey to shape their identity in the two novels.