Bringing Difficult Issues to Light
The Bluest Eye and Precious: The Bluest Eye was written in the 1960s and takes place in the 40s, but it continues to resonate with readers today. The 2009 Oscar-winning film Precious treats many similar issues, and suggests that many of the problems depicted in Morrison's book persist today. In this assignment you'll watch and discuss the film, and decide for yourself how the film and novel speak to each other across four decades.
Step 1: Watch the film Precious.
Step 2: Read The Bluest Eye "Why Should I Care?" section for a brief introduction to the similarities between Morrison's novel and the film. Now read the Op-Ed piece "Fade to White" by novelist Ishmael Reed – who was clearly not a fan of Precious.
Step 3: Get into a discussion with your teacher and classmates comparing the themes of the novel with those of the film, and addressing Reed's objections to the alleged "stereotypes" in the film (which could just-as-well be directed towards The Bluest Eye). Some questions to consider include:
Step 1: Watch the film Precious.
Step 2: Read The Bluest Eye "Why Should I Care?" section for a brief introduction to the similarities between Morrison's novel and the film. Now read the Op-Ed piece "Fade to White" by novelist Ishmael Reed – who was clearly not a fan of Precious.
Step 3: Get into a discussion with your teacher and classmates comparing the themes of the novel with those of the film, and addressing Reed's objections to the alleged "stereotypes" in the film (which could just-as-well be directed towards The Bluest Eye). Some questions to consider include:
- How do Precious and The Bluest Eye treat similar issues? How do they differ in their treatment of them?
- What does it suggest to you that such a recent film is treating similar issues as a novel published 40 years ago? Does Precious have better chances or opportunities than Pecola?
- Is race or class primarily to blame for what happens to Precious? To Pecola? How do race and class interrelate? Would poor white people face the same problems? Rich black people?
- Is Ishmael Reed's reaction understandable? Is he right in criticizing the film for portraying African Americans (especially men) in a negative light? Or should artists be allowed to portray problems in black communities without being accused of contributing to racist beliefs? Do the film and novel contribute to stereotypes or try to address the sources of social problems?
- How do The Bluest Eye and Precious address similar themes?
- Do they reinforce negative stereotypes or critique racism and the effects of poverty and racism in America?
- How does Precious suggest things have or haven't improved since The Bluest Eye was published?l