In Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Pecola Breedlove’s point of view is to be analyzed as the core element of fiction. It is important to note that Pecola’s perspective is clearly a dominant one alongside Claudia’s; however, her focal point does not displace the other characters. The intent is to make sure that this type of fragmented point of view allows for sympathizing with all key figures rather than solely focusing on one or two.
Pecola’s obsession with blue eyes showcases how societal standards of beauty can have a profound impact when it comes to an individual identity. The third-person limited perspective emphasizes Pecola’s internal struggles and desires, which is why readers gain better knowledge of her yearning for acceptance and her perception of beauty. In other words, since the topic involves the concept of beauty, which is highly dependent on one’s perception, the author appropriately provides an outside perspective. Otherwise, it will be easy to be caught in her narrative and point of view, which means the reader would adopt the same standards in a sense.
The story provides information on the hardships Pecola faces due to her racial identity and her perceived ugliness – such a point of view has a critical role in the narrative. The main reason is the fact that it brings forward Pecola’s vulnerabilities by making her problems real and observable. As a result of this, readers deeply connect with her and feel her pain and longing; hence, Morrison is able to successfully evoke empathy through the given point of view. The latter also provides a better understanding of how societal pressures work and how they shape a person’s perceptions and life in general. As a result, Pecola’s journey and the point of view provided for her reveal the destructive nature of imposed standards of beauty.