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How Does Pauline Use Pecola?

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Because of racism and her own personal background, Pauline neglects her family and allows Pecola to be victimized. One reason that Pauline turns out the way she does is that she always felt inadequate. Growing up Pauline blamed her foot for her constant source of humiliation. “The easiest thing to do would be to build a case out of her foot.” “That is what she herself did” (Morrison 110). In addition, once she moved to Ohio she had to contend with regional and social class barriers to norms of beauty that she had never imagined. For example, she couldn't keep up with latest fashion and this takes a big toll on her spirit. “Pauline felt uncomfortable with the few black women she met.” “They were amused by her because she did not straighten …show more content…

One way Paulie copes is by losing herself in Hollywood films, by styling hair like Jean Harlow in order to feel prettier.Of course, Pauline can never really be Jean Harlow. She will always fall short. Pauilie’s concern of how she measures up to white culture influences Pecola to have unattainable beauty standards. When Pauline loses her tooth, she gives up on becoming Jean Harlow and instead focuses on serving the Fishers in their white perfection. In order to cope with the fact that she may never live up to society's standard of beauty, Pauline pretends that the Fisher, kitchen, money for groceries, and their daughter are hers. This elaborate fantasy Pauline creates for herself leads her to push her children away. This can be seen in her treatment of Pecola when Rosemary accuses Claudia of hitting her. Mama looks at Pecola. “You too!” she said” “Child of mine or not” She grabs Pecola and Spun her around. (Morrison 31) Pauline punishes Pecola for nothing. Even though Pauline felt sorry for what she did, she is still taking her anger out on Pecola who in the moment was innocent and afraid of her changing body. Pauline washed Pecola and showed her that she could be a

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