The end of The Bluest Eye is a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to the novel. It delves into the tragic consequences of racism and the destructive impact it has on individuals like Pecola. In the final chapters, Pecola’s obsession with beauty and her desire for blue eyes reach a tipping point, as she believes that obtaining these blue eyes will finally make her worthy of love and acceptance in a world that constantly rejects her.
As the story progresses, the symbolism of blue eyes evolves. Initially, blue eyes represent the societal standard of beauty, exemplified by icons like Shirley Temple. Pecola’s yearning for blue eyes is deeply rooted in her desire to escape her own blackness and be seen as beautiful. However, as the novel progresses, the meaning of blue eyes transforms into a symbol of self-hatred and internalized racism.
The culmination of Pecola’s story occurs in the final chapter, titled “Seventy-Eight.” Here, the reader is confronted with the devastating reality that Pecola has been raped by her own father, Cholly. This traumatic event shatters Pecola’s innocence and further reinforces her belief that she is fundamentally unworthy and undesirable. In her mind, the rape is directly linked to her lack of beauty and blue eyes, as she believes that if she possessed these attributes, such a violation would not have occurred.
Morrison’s decision to end the novel with this revelation is a bold and poignant choice. It forces the reader to confront the harsh reality of the consequences of racism, poverty, and violence. Pecola’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of society’s beauty standards and the dehumanization of black individuals.
The ending of The Bluest Eye is open-ended and leaves the reader with a sense of despair. It highlights the cyclical nature of racism and the perpetuation of self-destructive beliefs. The narrative does not offer a resolution or redemption for Pecola but instead serves as a call to action, urging society to confront its own biases and work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate such harmful ideals.
Personally, as a reader, the ending of The Bluest Eye left a profound impact on me. It made me reflect on the ways in which society perpetuates harmful beauty standards and the devastating consequences they can have on individuals’ self-worth. It also reminded me of the importance of empathy and understanding, as we never truly know the internal struggles someone may be facing.
The end of The Bluest Eye is a powerful and haunting conclusion to the novel. It exposes the deep-rooted issues of racism, self-hatred, and the destructive impact of societal beauty standards. Through Pecola’s heartbreaking story, Morrison prompts readers to confront their own biases and work towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.