The Bluest Eye ends tragically. Pecola gives premature birth to her child. From shock, Pecola goes insane. Ashamed by Pecola and the rumors, Mrs. Breedlove moves to the edge of the town.
The last third of the novel reminded me of the movie "Precious," a movie based on the novel Push. The movie shows an ugly black girl named Precious from an abusive family. Precious is in many ways similar to Pecola. Both of them are raped and impregnated by their fathers. They both have abusive mothers. Both mothers know about the rape (Precious's mother even watched Precious get raped) yet blame the girls for having incestuous sex with their fathers. When Pecola told her mother, her mother did not believe Pecola: "You don't understand anything, do you? [Mrs. Breedlove] didn't even believe me when I told her" (Morrison 200). Instead, Pecola's mother beat Pecola: "They say the way [Pecola's] mama beat [Pecola] she lucky to be alive herself" (Morrison 189). Both girls live with dysfunctional families.
Precious's mother watches as her husband rapes Precious
The two girls also parallel in the sense they both want to be white and beautiful. In the beginning of the movie, Precious imagines herself being glamorous. There was a scene in which Precious sees herself as a pretty blonde white girl. This scene reminded me about Pecola and her wish to have blue eyes.
Precious sees herself in the mirror
Both girls live in poverty, have dysfunctional family, and get kicked out of school. They are so similar, yet Pecola meets a tragic end while Precious finds a way out. What set them apart? I believe there are two key factors: Precious has people who support her and give her education.
In times of trouble, Pecola has nobody supporting her. The rumor has it that Pecola is carrying Cholly's baby. People in the neighborhood do not pity her. Instead they say that Pecola must be taken out of school because "she carry some of the blame" (Morrison 189). Claudia and Frieda feel that they are the only ones who were "embarrassed for Pecola, hurt for her, and finally [...] felt sorry for her" (Morrison 190). I cannot believe the residents' responses to the situation. How could they possibly blame a twelve year old girl for being raped? I cannot believe that no one tried to help the little child! It's appalling how insensitive these people are. Unlike Pecola, Precious has her support from the Each One Teach One program and social worker. Each One Teach One teacher and students support Precious. When Precious runs away, Miss Rain provides her with food and shelter. Students from the class provide her with moral support. Pecola is missing this support group that she direly needs.
Pecola is missing this in her life
Unlike Pecola, Precious received education even after getting kicked out of school. Precious attends alternative school called Each One Teach One. Miss Rain teaches Precious to read and write. As Precious writes everyday, she reflects on her life. As she becomes more educated, she learns that there is more to life than just poverty. Through education, Precious learns to value herself and life. Perhaps education is the vital thing missing in Pecola's life.
Precious looks in the mirror and recognizes that she is beautiful
It is unfortunate that Pecola was not privileged with a support group and education. With no one to turn to, Pecola goes insane and creates an imaginary friend. Pecola tells her that she's her best friend and asks why she didn't know her before. The imaginary friend tells Pecola that Pecola didn't need her before. Pecola agrees, "I guess you're right. And I was so lonely for friends. And you were right here. Right before my eyes" (Morrison 196). Had Claudia, Frieda, or somebody cared for Pecola, maybe she wouldn't have gone crazy. It is devastating to see Pecola get her blue eyes through insanity.
