The Bluest Eye By Toni Morrison

Recent feminist criticism has idealized the bond of sisterhood emphasizing trust, mutual care and solidarity. Although the Bluest Eye is not modern, such values fit perfectly when describing the concept of sisterhood in said novel. As the story goes on, the reader can grasp that sisterly love is not limited just to blood sisters, for Claudia and Frieda not only love each other but love Pecola as well. This essay will expose how the concept of sisterly love is seen through the eyes of the three main characters of Toni Morrison’s first novel: Frieda. Claudia and Pecola. Although it doesn’t forestall the adversities she needs to endure, it does keep her alive in her torment.

As seen through the eyes of Frieda

Frieda, who is often protective of her own sister and vice versa, has a special role model reaction to many situations presented in the novel; situations that Pecola cannot only learn from but stand beside as well. Although she is “all authority and zest”, Frieda does manage to help Pecola when she is frightened by her first menstruation: assertively, she assumes the role of the eldest

Claudia is also brave and takes action very quickly when she has gut feelings that drive her actions and responses. Although there is a constant bond between Frieda and Claudia that is apparent and effective to Pecola; , as her friend, Claudia not only provides her sisterly love by offering company, keeping loneliness and fear away; but also by performing a defender on many occasions, such as when she hits both Rosemary and Maureen for making fun of her. In addition to this, Claudia represents sisterly love with the utmost respect towards Pecola: it is by her story-telling that she becomes the loyal sister who avenges Pecola’s destruction by doing what she does better: putting it into words and being her