Oppressed Becomes the Oppressor: Psychoanalytical Intersections of Trauma in Toni Morrison, 'The Bluest Eye'

This paper explores the intricate interplay of racism, trauma, and identity in Toni Morrison's novel, "The Bluest Eye." It delves into the challenges faced by African Americans within a predominantly white society by utilizing current trauma theory and black feminist concepts. The theoretical framework includes cultural trauma theories, including the contributions from Schreiber and insights from feminist thinkers like Bell Hooks and Patricia Hill Collins. Moreover, through an intersectional analysis, this study scrutinizes how gender, racial, class, and generational trauma intertwine to mold individuals' experiences and self-perception. Therefore, by amalgamating trauma theories with feminist perspectives, this paper provides valuable insights into the struggles of the characters and the societal dynamics portrayed in Morrison's novel, "The Bluest Eye."