Theological Models of Black Middle-Class Performance in Toni Morrison's Novels

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present an analysis of colorism and classism, which engender conflicts between the Black middle class and the mainstream Black community. The approach is by way of a political and socio-historical interpretation of the novels of Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison. Therefore, references to historical and sociological studies of existing conflicts within the Black community by Franklin Frazier and Harold Cruse will precede an analysis of the behaviors, attitudes and worldviews of the fictional characters. Moreover, Black theological paradigms will be employed in suggestion of possible conflict resolution. The characters from Morrison's novels to be analyzed are Macon Dead from Song of Solomon, Helene Wright from Sula and Geraldine Junior and Maureen Peal from The Bluest Eye. The characters will be representative of those persons who erroneously internalize Black middle-class values and manifest discriminatory practices towards others. In contrast to the aforementioned, a group of characters that contribute to the empowerment of the Black community will also be discussed: Pilate from Song of Solomon, Eva Peace from Sula, Claudia MacTeer from The Bluest Eye, Baby Suggs from Beloved and Bill Cosey from Love.