Problem
Read Morrison's The Bluest Eye: Foreword (p. 10 of the provided PDF text) through the end of "Winter" (p. 108 of the provided PDF text).
I. Autumn
A. When we first meet the speaker even before we know the speaker's name, what are we able to tell about this person? Cite specific lines from the text to support your claims.
B. According to our speaker how is "outdoors" defined? What is the difference between being "out" and being "outdoors"?
C. Who is Pecola? Why did the girls take to her immediately?
D. How did the speaker feel about dolls? Was the same view held by the grown-ups?
E. What would have been an ideal Christmas for the speaker?
F. What was Claudia's mother's reaction upon discovering the missing milk? Do you think she knew what happened to it? Were the girls used to their mother's reaction? How could you tell?
G. Moving on to the Breedlove's house, how did the new sofa become so well suited to the Breedlove's house?
H. Why did the Breedloves live in the storefront?
I. Discuss the relationship that existed between Cholly and Mrs. Breedlove.
J. Why did Pecola love China, Poland, and Miss Marie?
K. Describe these women by sayings and actions. How do you suppose they ended up in "the business"?
II. Winter
A. Who is Maureen Peel? Why was she so well received by everyone?
B. Geraldine's background was described extensively. Why do you think it was so important to get a view of her life?
C. Why do you think Pecola let Junior talk her into entering his house?
D. What did Geraldine assume when she took one look at Pecola?