The Bluest Eye - Pages 97-109 (Spring)

Summary

In 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison, the narrative delves into the lives of young girls Claudia and Frieda during spring. Claudia's mother's actions hint at a deeper turmoil. Frieda suffers emotional distress after an encounter with Mr. Henry, who inappropriately touched her. The girls seek help from Piccola, who enjoys a privileged life with the Breedloves despite her mother's warnings. A berry cobbler accident leads to Mrs. Breedlove's harsh treatment of Piccola, revealing the complex dynamics of race, class, and self-worth.

Takeaways

• 🌱 Springtime brings a change in punishment style, with green switches replacing the winter strap, leaving a lasting sting.
• 😢 Frida is found crying after an encounter with Mr. Henry, who inappropriately touched her, highlighting themes of innocence lost and violation.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The community reacts strongly to Mr. Henry's actions, with violence and retribution, reflecting the protective yet harsh societal norms.
• 🏡 Frida's confusion about 'ruined' shows a child's struggle to understand adult concepts and the fear of losing innocence.
• 🥤 The 'Maganat Line', or Marie, represents a societal outcast, yet offers kindness and treats to the children, challenging their preconceived notions.
• 🏘️ The journey to the lakefront exposes the children to different social strata, from modest to affluent neighborhoods, illustrating class disparities.
• 👗 Piccola's mother, Mrs. Breedlove, provides material comforts but also emotional distance and physical abuse, questioning the true meaning of care.
• 🍰 The incident with the berry cobbler leads to a violent outburst from Mrs. Breedlove, revealing the harsh reality behind Piccola's seemingly privileged life.
• 👗 The contrast between Piccola's treatment and that of Polly, Mrs. Breedlove's biological daughter, underscores issues of favoritism and identity.
• 🌇 The setting sun and the final scene by the lake provide a serene backdrop to the day's turmoil, symbolizing the end of innocence and the complexity of life.

Q & A

What is the significance of the spring season in the story?

Spring is associated with a change in the way the characters are punished, from the dull pain of a winter strap to the stinging pain of new green switches. It also evokes a sense of remembered ache and loss of cheer in forsythia for the narrator.

How does the narrator describe the behavior of their mother upon returning home with yellow curtains?

The mother is described as behaving strangely, still wearing her hat and dusty shoes as if she had been walking in deep dirt. She performs a series of tasks out of the ordinary, like sweeping the porch multiple times and not immediately hanging the damp curtains.

What distressing event involving Frida and Mr. Henry does the narrator recount?

Mr. Henry inappropriately touched Frida, which led to a violent reaction from her parents and the community. This event left Frida feeling upset and afraid of being 'ruined'.

What does the term 'maggot line' refer to in the context of the story?

The term 'maggot line' refers to a derogatory nickname for a woman known as Miss Marie, who is described as a large, overweight woman. The name is used to imply that she is undesirable or 'ruined'.

Why do Claudia and Frida seek out Piccola?

Claudia and Frida seek out Piccola because they believe she can provide them with whiskey, which they think will help them deal with their problems, following a suggestion from the 'maggot line'.

How does Piccola's relationship with Miss Marie contrast with the community's view of Miss Marie?

Piccola has a positive relationship with Miss Marie, who provides her with gifts and treats her kindly. This is in stark contrast to the community's view of Miss Marie as 'ruined' and undesirable.

What is the significance of the wheelbarrow full of flowers by the lake?

The wheelbarrow full of flowers symbolizes a place of beauty and allure, which is associated with Piccola's mother's workplace. It is a place that Claudia and Frida have only dreamed of visiting.

How does the narrator describe the houses and streets as they approach the lake?

The houses transition from soft grey and tired to sturdy with newer paint and deeper yards. The lakefront houses are described as the loveliest, with garden furniture, ornaments, and polished windows, symbolizing a world of privilege and exclusivity.

What incident occurs at Mrs. Breedlove's house that leads to Piccola being punished?

An incident occurs where Piccola accidentally knocks over a pan of berry cobbler, causing a mess on the floor. Mrs. Breedlove punishes Piccola harshly for this accident.

How does the narrator feel about the treatment of Piccola by Mrs. Breedlove?

The narrator feels dread and is repelled by Mrs. Breedlove's harsh treatment of Piccola, which is highlighted by the violent language and physical punishment.

What is the significance of the color imagery in the story, such as the green switches and the blackish blueberries?

The color imagery in the story serves to evoke strong emotional responses. The green switches represent the pain and change associated with spring, while the blackish blueberries symbolize the unexpected and painful mess created by Piccola's accident.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Spring's Painful Memories

The paragraph begins with a reflection on spring and the painful memories associated with it, particularly the change from the dull pain of winter whippings to the stinging of new green switches. The narrator describes a scene of domestic violence where her sister, Frida, is crying after being inappropriately touched by Mr. Henry. The family's reaction is intense, leading to a physical altercation involving the father, Mr. Henry, and a neighbor, Mr. Buford. The situation escalates, involving guns and threats, before calming down with the intervention of Miss Dunyan. The paragraph ends with a contemplation of the family's dynamics and the impact of the incident on the narrator and Frida.

05:01

😢 Fear of Ruin and a Search for Whiskey

This paragraph delves into the aftermath of the incident with Mr. Henry and the fear it instilled in Frida and the narrator about being 'ruined.' They consider what ruin means to them, comparing it to the physical decay of the 'maggot line' and the metaphorical ruin of countries like China and Poland. In an attempt to cope, they seek out whiskey as a solution, believing it might help them avoid ruin. They approach Piccola for help in obtaining whiskey, leading to a visit to her house where they encounter her mother, Mrs. Breedlove, and witness the stark contrast between their own lives and the apparent affluence and kindness of Piccola's white neighbors.

10:03

🏡 A Journey Through Social Hierarchies

The third paragraph describes a journey through various neighborhoods, each reflecting a different social status. Starting from soft grey houses that lean like tired ladies, the narrator and Frida progress through more sturdy houses with newer paint, then to brick houses with well-kept yards, and finally to the lakefront houses that are the epitome of beauty and wealth. The journey culminates in Lake Shore Park, a place of exclusion for black people, yet filled with dreams of a better life. The paragraph ends with a visit to Piccola at her mother's workplace, where the stark contrast between the world of the narrator and Piccola's privileged life is further highlighted.

15:03

🍒 An Accident and Its Repercussions

In the final paragraph, Piccola accidentally spills a pan of berry cobbler, leading to a violent reaction from Mrs. Breedlove. The incident exposes the harsh reality of racial and social dynamics, as Mrs. Breedlove's anger is directed at Piccola, Frida, and the narrator, who are all implicated in the mess. The paragraph contrasts the initial kindness shown by Mrs. Breedlove with her sudden, harsh treatment, revealing the fragility of the relationships between the characters. The incident ends with the girls being ordered to leave, and the narrative shifts to focus on the innocent Polly, who is comforted by her mother amidst the chaos.

Keywords

💡Self-worth

Self-worth refers to an individual's perception of their own value or worth. In the context of the video, the concept is conveyed through the interactions between characters, particularly in how Piccola's mother treats her. The mother's actions and words can significantly impact Piccola's sense of self-worth. For example, when Mrs. Breedlove scolds Piccola harshly after the pie incident, it undermines Piccola's self-esteem, illustrating the theme of how external validations can shape one's self-concept.

💡Spring

Spring symbolizes renewal and change. In the video, the onset of spring is associated with a change in the characters' experiences, such as the shift from winter whippings to spring beatings with green switches. This change in punishment style reflects a transformation in the characters' lives, suggesting that even in harsh circumstances, there is a cycle of change and hope.

💡Whipping

Whipping is a form of physical punishment. The script describes different types of whippings, such as those with a winter strap versus spring switches. This keyword is central to understanding the harsh realities of the characters' lives and the physical and emotional pain they endure, which is a significant theme in the video.

💡Mourning

Mourning is a process of expressing grief or sorrow. Frida's crying represents mourning, as she deals with the trauma of being touched inappropriately by Mr. Henry. Her tears and the subsequent reactions of her family highlight the theme of coping with loss and violation in the community.

💡Ruined

The term 'ruined' is used to describe something or someone who is irreparably damaged or tarnished. In the video, it is mentioned in relation to Frida's fear of being 'ruined' after Mr. Henry's actions. This keyword is pivotal as it reflects societal attitudes towards purity and the consequences of violation, which is a central theme in the narrative.

💡Maganat Line

The 'Maganat Line' refers to a character who is described as a 'mountain of flesh,' symbolizing excess and perhaps moral decay. Her portrayal and the reaction of other characters to her presence introduce themes of body image, societal judgment, and the ostracization of those who do not conform to societal norms.

💡Whiskey

Whiskey is mentioned as a substance that 'ate up' China and Poland, suggesting self-medication or escape. This keyword is used metaphorically to represent the characters' desire to escape their harsh realities, reflecting the theme of seeking solace in substances or activities as a form of coping.

💡Lake Erie

Lake Erie serves as a backdrop for the characters' journey and represents a boundary or limit. The lake's mention, along with the description of the houses near it, contrasts the characters' lives with those of the wealthier residents, highlighting themes of social stratification and the longing for a different life.

💡Pie

The pie, specifically the berry cobbler, symbolizes comfort and homeliness. Its destruction when it falls on the floor represents a disruption of normalcy and the fragility of comfort in the characters' lives. The incident also leads to Piccola's punishment, underscoring the theme of innocence being punished unjustly.

💡Fear

Fear is a recurring emotion experienced by the characters, particularly in relation to crossing societal boundaries. The fear of discovery when the characters approach the lakefront houses and the fear of Mrs. Breedlove's wrath after the pie incident exemplify the theme of living under the constant threat of punishment or judgment.

💡Jealousy

Jealousy is evident in the interaction between Claudia and Frida, where Claudia expresses envy over Frida's experiences. This keyword is important as it reveals the complex emotions and relationships between the characters, highlighting themes of sibling rivalry and the desire for recognition or experience.

Highlights

Spring's change in punishment style from winter's dull pain to green switches that leave a lasting sting.

The protagonist's longing for the steadier pain of a strap or hairbrush instead of the nervous meanness of spring switches.

A vivid description of the protagonist's experience with nature and her contemplation on life and death.

The protagonist's mother's unusual behavior upon returning home, hinting at underlying tensions.

Frida's emotional state after being inappropriately touched by Mr. Henry, and the community's reaction.

The violent response of the community towards Mr. Henry, reflecting the protectiveness and anger.

The confusion and fear Frida feels about being 'ruined' and the misunderstandings surrounding the concept.

The contrast between the physical appearance and the inner nature of the 'maggot line', challenging societal judgments.

The protagonist's and Frida's encounter with the 'maggot line', and their initial fear turning into curiosity.

The description of the journey through different neighborhoods, reflecting the socio-economic divide.

The contrast between the forbidden Lake Shore Park and the梦想中的乐园 for the black community.

Piccola's innocence and the stark contrast between her perception and reality regarding her situation.

The revelation of the materialistic benefits Piccola receives from the white family, raising questions about exploitation.

The incident with the berry cobbler and the harsh punishment Piccola receives, highlighting racial and class tensions.

The juxtaposition of Mrs. Breedlove's affection towards her own child and her cruelty towards Piccola.

The protagonist's and Frida's realization of the complexities and harsh realities of their community's dynamics.

Transcripts

this is pages 97 to 109

of the bluest eye by tony morrison this

is the first section

of spring as you read today

think about this question what messages

does piccola's mother convey to piccola

about her self-worth

page 97 the first twigs are thin

green and supple they bend into a

complete circle

but will not break their delicate showy

hopefulness

shooting from forsythia and lilac bushes

meant only a change in whipping style

they beat us differently in the spring

instead of the dull pain of a winter

strap

there were these new green switches that

lost their sting long after the whipping

was over

there was a nervous meanness in these

long twigs that made us long for the

steady stroke of a strap

or the firm but honest slap of a

hairbrush

even now spring for me is shot through

with the remembered ache of switchings

and forsythia holds no cheer

sunk in the grass of an empty lot on a

spring saturday

i split the stems of milkweed and

thought about ants and peach pits

and death and where the world went when

i closed my eyes

i must have laying long in the grass for

the shadow that was in front of me when

i left the house had disappeared when i

went back

i entered the house as the house was

bursting with an uneasy quiet

then i heard my mother singing something

about trains in arkansas

she came in the back door with some

folded yellow curtains which she piled

on the kitchen table

i sat down on the floor to listen to the

song's story and notice how strangely

she was behaving

she still had her hat on and her shoes

were dusty as though she had been

walking in deep dirt

she put on some water to boil and then

swept the porch

then she hauled out the curtain strut

the curtain stretcher but instead of

putting the damp curtains on it she

swept the porch again

all the time singing about trains and

arkansas

when she finished i went to look for

frida i found her upstairs laying on her

bed

crying the tired whimpering cry that

follows the first wailings

mostly gasps and shudderings i lay on

the bed and looked at the tiny bunches

of wild roses sprinkled over her

dress many washings had faded their

color and dimmed their outlines

what happened frida she lifted a swollen

face from the crook of her arm

shuddering still she sat up letting her

thin legs dangle over the bedside

i knelt on the bed and picked up the hem

of my dress to wipe her running nose

she never liked wiping noses and clothes

but this time she let me

it was the way mama did with her apron

did you get a whipping

she shook her head no then why you

crying because

because what mr henry what do you do

dad and daddy beat him up what for the

maganat line did he find out about the

maganat line

no well what then come on frida how come

i can't know

he picked at me

picked at you you mean like soaphead

church sort of

he showed his privates at you no he

touched me

where here and here she pointed to the

tiny breasts that

like two fallen acorns scattered a few

faded rose leaves on her dress

really how did it feel oh claudia

she sounded put out i wasn't asking the

right questions it didn't feel like

anything

but wasn't it supposed to feel good i

mean free to suck your teeth

what do you do just walk up and pinch

them she sighed

first he said how pretty i was then he

grabbed my arm and touched me

where was mama and daddy over at the

garden weeding

what'd you say when he did it nothing i

just ran out the kitchen and went to the

garden

mama said we was never to cross the

tracks by ourselves

well what would you do sit there and let

him pinch you i looked at my chest

i don't have nothing to pinch i'm never

going to have nothing oh claudia you're

jealous of everything

you want him to no i just get tired of

having everything last

you do not what about scarlet fever you

had that first

yes but it didn't last anyway what

happened at the garden

i told mama and she told daddy and we

all come home

and he was gone so we waited for him and

when daddy saw him come up on the porch

he threw our old tricycle at his head

and knocked him off the porch

did he die nah he got up and started

singing nearer my god to thee

then mama hit him with a broom and told

him to keep the lord's name out of his

mouth

but he wouldn't stop and daddy was

cussing and everyone was screaming

oh shoot i always miss stuff and mr

buford came running out with his gun and

mama told him to go somewhere and sit

down

and daddy said no give him the gun and

mr buford did

and mama screamed and mr henry shut up

and started running

and daddy shot at him and mr henry

jumped out of his shoes and kept on

running in his socks

then rosemary came out and said that

daddy was going to jail

and i hit her real hard real hard

is that when mama whipped you she didn't

whip me i told you

then why you crying miss dunyan came in

after everybody was cr

was quiet and mama and daddy was fussing

about who let mr henry in anyway

and she said that mama should take me to

the doctor because i might be ruined and

mama started screaming all over again

at you no i missed onion but why were

you crying

i don't want to be ruined what's ruined

you know like the maggot not lying she's

ruined mama said so

the tears came back an image of frida

big and fat came to mind

her thin legs swollen her face

surrounded by layers of rouge

skin i too begin to feel tears

but frida you should exercise and not

eat she shrugged

besides what about china and poland

they're ruined too aren't they

and they ain't fat that's because they

drink whiskey mama says whiskey ate them

up

you could drink whiskey where would i

get whiskey

we thought about this nobody would sell

it to us we had no money anyway

there was never any in our house who

would have some

piccola i said her father's always drunk

she can get us some

you think so sure charlie's always drunk

let's go ask her

we don't have to tell her what for now

sure now

what will we tell mama nothing let's

just go out the back one at a time so

she won't notice

okay you go first claudia we opened the

fence gate at the bottom of the backyard

and ran down the alley

pocolo lived on the other side of

broadway we had never been in her house

but we knew where it was

a two-story gray building that had been

a store downstairs and had an apartment

upstairs

nobody answered our knock at the front

door so we walked around to the side

door

as we approached we heard radio music

and looked to see where it came from

above us was the second story porch

lined with slanting

rotting rails and sitting on the porch

was the maganat line herself

we stared up and automatically reached

for the other's hand a mountain of flesh

she lay rather than sat in a rocking

chair she had no shoes on

and each foot was poked between a

railing tiny baby shoes at the tip of

puffy feet

swollen ankles smoothed and tightened

the skin massive legs like tree stumps

parted wide at the knees

over which spread two roads of soft

flabby inner thigh

that kissed each other deep in the shade

of her dress and closed

our dark brown root beer bottle like a

burned limb grew out of her dimpled hand

she looked at us down through the porch

railings and emitted a low

long belch her eyes were as clean as

rain

and again i remembered the waterfall

neither of us could speak

both of us imagined we were seeing what

was to become a frida

the maganat line smiled at us you all

looking for somebody

i had to pull my tongue from the roof of

my mouth to say piccola

she live here uh-huh but she ain't here

now

she gone to her mama's workplace to get

the wash yes ma'am

she coming back uh-huh she got to hang

up the clothes before the sun goes down

oh you can wait for her want to come up

here and wait

we exchanged glances i looked back up at

the broad cinnamon roads that met in the

shadow of her dress

frida said no ma'am well the maggot lion

seemed interested in our problem

you can go to her mama's workplace but

it's way over by the lake

whereby the lake that big white house

with the wheelbarrow full of flowers

it was a house that we knew having

admired the large white wheelbarrow

tilted down on spoked wheels and planted

with seasonal flowers

ain't that too far for you all to go

walking frida scratched her knee

why don't you wait for her you can come

up here and want some pop

those rain-soaked eyes lit up and her

smile was full

not like the pinched and holding back

smile of other grown-ups

i moved to go up the stairs but frida

said no ma'am

we ain't allowed i was amazed at her

courage and frightened of her sassiness

the smile of the maggot line slipped

ain't loud

know him ain't loud to what go in your

house is that right

the waterfalls were still how come my

mama said so

my mama said you ruined the waterfalls

began to run again

she put the root beer bottle to her lips

and drank it empty

with the graceful movement of the wrist

a gesture so quick and small we never

really saw it

only remembered it afterward she tossed

the bottle over the rail at us

it splitted our feet and shards of brown

glass dappled our legs before we could

jump back

the maganat line put a fat hand on one

of the folds of her stomach

and laughed at first just a deep humming

with her mouth closed

then a larger warmer sound laughter at

once beautiful

and frightening she let her head tilt

sideways

closed her eyes and shook her massive

trunk letting the laughter fall like a

wash of red leaves all around us

scraps and curls of the laughter

followed us as we ran

our breath gave out at the same time our

legs did after we rested against

the tree our heads on cross forearms i

said

let's go home frida was still angry

fighting she believed for her life no we

got to get it now

we can't go all the way to the lake yes

we can come on

mama gonna get us no she ain't besides

she can't do nothing but whip us

that was true she wouldn't kill us or

laugh a terrible laugh at us

or throw a bottle at us we walk down

tree-lined streets of soft grey houses

leaning like tired ladies

the streets changed houses looked more

sturdy their paint was newer

porch posts straighter yards deeper then

came brick houses set well back from the

street fronted by yards

edged in shrubbery clipped into smooth

cones and balls of velvet green

the lakefront houses were the loveliest

garden furniture

ornaments windows like shiny eyeglasses

and no sign of life

the backyards of these houses fell away

in green slopes

down to a strip of sand and then the

blue lake erie

lapping all the way to canada the orange

patch sky

of the steel mill section never reached

this part of town

this sky was always blue we reached lake

shore park

a city park laid out with rosebuds

fountains bowling greens

picnic tables it was empty now but

sweetly expectant of clean

white well-behaved children and parents

who would play there above the lake in

summer

before half running half stumbling down

the slope to the welcoming water

black people were not allowed in the

park and so it filled our dreams

right before the entrance to the park

was a large white house with the

wheelbarrow full of flowers

short crocus blades sheathed the purple

and white hearts that so wished to be

first

they endured the chill and rain of early

spring

the walkway was flagged and calculated

disorder hiding the cunning symmetry

only fear of discovery and the knowledge

that we did not belong kept us from

loitering

we circled the proud house and went to

the back

there on the tiny railed stoop sat

piccola in a light red sweater

and blue cotton dress a little wagon was

parked near her

she seemed glad to see us hi hi

what you all doing here she was smiling

and since it was a rare thing to see on

her

i was surprised at the pleasure it gave

me we're looking for you who told you i

was here

the maggot line who is that that big fat

lady she lives over you

oh you mean miss marie her name is miss

marie

well everybody calls her miss megan

outline ain't you scared

scared of what the maggot line piccola

looked genuinely puzzled

what for your mama let you go in her

house and eat out of her plates

she don't know i go miss marie is nice

they all nice

oh yeah i said she tried to kill us who

miss marie she don't bother nobody then

how come your mama don't let you go in

her house if she's so nice

i don't know she says she's bad but they

ain't bad they give me stuff all the

time

what stuff oh lots of stuff pretty

dresses and shoes

i got more shoes than i ever wear and

jewelry and candy and money

they take me to the movies and once we

went to the carnival

china go and take me to cleveland to see

the square and poland gonna take me to

chicago

to see the loop we're going everywhere

together you lying you don't have no

pretty dresses

i do too oh come on piccola what you

telling us all that junk for

frida asked it ain't junk piccolo stood

up ready to defend her words when the

door opened

mrs breedlove stuck her head out the

door and said what's going on out here

piccola who are these children

that's frida and claudia mrs breedlove

whose girls are you

she came all the way out on the stoop

she looked nicer than i had ever seen

her

in her white uniform and her hair in a

small pompadour

mrs mcteer's girls ma'am oh yes live

over on 21st street

yes ma'am what are you doing way over

here just walking

we came to see picola well you better

get on back

you can walk with piccola come on in

while i get the wash

we stepped into the kitchen a large

spacious room

mrs breedlove's skin glowed like te fita

in the reflection of white porcelain

white woodwork polished cabinets and

brilliant copperware

odors of meat vegetables and something

freshly baked

mixed with a scent of phil's naphtha i'm

gonna get the wash

you all stand stock still right right

there and don't mess up nothing

she disappeared behind a white swinging

door and we could hear the uneven flap

of her footsteps as she descended into

the basement

another door opened and in walked a

little girl smaller and younger than all

of us

she wore a pink sunback dress and pink

fluffy bedroom slippers with two bunny

ears pointed up from the tips

her hair was corn yellow and bound in a

thick ribbon

when she saw us fear danced across her

face for a second

she looked anxiously around the kitchen

where's polly

she asked the familiar violence rose in

me

her calling mrs breedlove paulie when

even piccola called her mother mrs

breedlove

seemed reason enough to scratch her

she's downstairs i said

polly she called look frida whispered

look at that

on the counter near the stove in a

silvery pan was a deep dish berry

cobbler

the purple juice bursting here and there

through crust

we moved closer it's still hot frida

said

piccolo stretched her hand to touch the

pan lightly to see if it was hot

polly come here the little girl called

again

it may have been nervousness awkwardness

but the pan tilted under piccola's

fingers and fell to the floor

splattering blackish blueberries

everywhere most of the juice splashed on

piccola's legs and the burn must have

been painful

for she cried out and began hopping

about just as mrs breedlove entered with

a tightly packed

laundry bag in one gallop she was on

piccola

and with the back of her hand knocked

her to the floor piccola slid in the pie

juice

one leg folding under her mrs breedlove

yanked her up by the arm

slapped her again and in a voice thin

with anger abused piccola directly and

frida and me by implication

crazy fool my floor mess look what you

work get on out now now that crazy

my floor my floor my floor her words

were hotter and darker than the smoking

berries and we backed away in dread

the little girl in pink started to cry

mrs breedlove turned to her

hush baby hush come here oh lord look at

your dress

don't cry no more polly will change it

she went to the sink and turned tap

water on a fresh towel

over her shoulder she spit out words to

us like rotten pieces of apple

pick up that wash and get on out of here

so i can get this mess cleaned up

piccola picked up the laundry bag heavy

with wet clothes and we stepped

hurriedly out the door

as piccola put the laundry bag in the

wagon we could hear mrs breedlove

hushing and soothing the tears of

the little pink and yellow girl who were

they polly

don't worry none baby you gonna make

another pie

course i will who were they polly hush

don't worry none she whispered and the

honey in her words complimented the

sundown spilling on the lake