Toni Morrison Forum

Toni Morrison

Forum

I have read her novel " the bl eye" & ever since i have
become a fan. It was great to study the bk as a part
of our M.A. course in Pune university (India)

>>By pallav kumar (Monday, 7 Apr 2003 17:21)

Hey Viewers,

>>By SATHYARAJ.V. (Sunday, 13 Jul 2003 19:09)

Sathyaraj.V.,
Research Scholar,
IIT - Kanpur.

First and foremost, Toni Morrison writes as a black woman with the audience of black women in mind. Though many of the themes, emotions and motivational elements present in her works apply to all people, Morrison works to invert and dispel many of the stereotypes present in writings by and about black women. Morrison herself claims that one of her motivations for writing as a black woman writer is to allow her fellow black women to "repossess, re-name, [and] re-own."

In particular, Morrison has helped black women "repossess" their identities by creating characters who not only go against typical white American stereotypes of black females, but also who illustrate many of the overlooked strengths and characteristics of black womanhood. For instance, Morrison's works often concern themselves with fleshing out and thus denying the stereotype of the nurturing, content "black Mammy." Instead of presenting a black mother in this pat way, Morrison illuminates the psychological and emotional elements of motherhood in the context of the African-American struggle.

Morrison's writing is also characterized by its unique way of dealing with narrative. Instead of using straightforward narration and clear chronology, Morrison often plays with the order of scenes and the ways narration is presented. The narrator may change frequently, or the narrator may be separate from the person through which the reader is currently viewing the action.

The narrative in Morrison's work is also not always realistic. Morrison incorporates elements of myth, legend, passion, obsession, superstition, religion, nature, and the supernatural. Though she rejects the label of magical realism because it denies a clear cultural influence, many aspects of her novels are characterized by elements of fantasy.

The first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Morrison has been lauded by critics and colleagues alike. Her works have been seen not only as exemplifying the struggle of a particular people, but also as illustrating the problems and emotions of all human beings. She is admired for her use of language and her interesting narrative devices.

>>By SATHYARAJ.V. (Sunday, 13 Jul 2003 19:13)

I have never met an african american woman, in fact, I've never even seen on in real life. I understand, after reading "Beloved", that I could never empathise with what people of this race have faced and what they continue to face and attempt to change. I do however, feel more educated after reading it. And for that, I'm grateful.

>>By Repulsia (Wednesday, 14 Jul 2004 01:06)

Hello Everyone,

I have read "Love" and virtually operated it in every aspect. Its appeal is beyond limit and can be read with different perspectives at different times. It is a kind request to all that don't miss versatile author like her.

Bhav
(Research Scholar)

>>By bhav (Monday, 15 Aug 2005 13:02)

try reading "Jazz"
the pace of the book is like the music, enchanting!

>>By Vilette (Wednesday, 17 Aug 2005 17:55)

I read "Beloved" about 5 years ago. It changed my life. Seriously.

>>By Dollie Zee (Saturday, 10 Dec 2005 09:07)

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