RACE AND IDENTITY IN TONI MORRISON’S WORKS

Abstract

This paper examines the intricate interplay of race and identity in the works of Toni Morrison, one of the most influential voices in American literature. Morrison’s novels, including "Beloved," "The Bluest Eye," and "Song of Solomon," delve deeply into the African American experience, exploring how historical trauma, cultural heritage, and societal constructs shape individual and collective identities. Through a detailed analysis of these texts, the study investigates Morrison's portrayal of racial oppression, internalized racism, and the quest for self-identity amidst systemic marginalization. Morrison's narrative techniques, including non-linear storytelling, rich symbolism, and multifaceted character development, are analyzed to understand how they convey the complexities of race and identity.