A New Historicist Analysis of Trauma in Morrison’s The Bluest Eye

Abstract

This paper undertakes a New Historicist and Trauma Theory analysis of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye to explore the intersection of historical oppression and psychological suffering in African-American life. Positioned within the socio-political context of 1940s America, Morrison’s novel critiques systemic racism, internalised Eurocentric beauty ideals, and the myth of national inclusion. The research uncovers how Morrison weaves cultural history and personal trauma to expose the psychological consequences of racial exclusion, particularly for Black girls. By applying New Historicism, the research situates the novel as a cultural artefact reflecting racialised power structures. At the same time, Trauma Theory reveals how trauma is both lived and narrated through fragmentation, silence, and dissociation. The analysis highlights Pecola Breedlove’s descent into madness as emblematic of structural and symbolic violence, exposing how identity is shaped—and shattered—by internalised racism and socio-economic marginalisation. The findings show that Morrison challenges dominant national narratives by centring Black female subjectivity and memory. The paper concludes that The Bluest Eye is not merely a literary text but a radical intervention that calls for reimagining national identity and belonging. Its contribution foregrounds literature’s role in historical reckoning, cultural critique, and the pursuit of inclusive human dignity.