Dualistic Relationship Between Concept of Jealousy and Envy in "The Bluest Eye"

Introduction

In Toni Morrison's novel "The Bluest Eye," the author delves into the nuanced distinction between jealousy and envy, shedding light on the intricacies of these emotions. According to Morrison, jealousy is characterized by harboring feelings of resentment and hostility towards another individual due to their possession of something one desires but lacks. It is an emotion that either ignites a desire to attain the coveted object or fosters a wish for the possessor's deprivation. On the other hand, Morrison delineates envy as a sentiment rooted in self-loathing arising from the absence of something one desires. In my personal experiences, I have encountered jealousy on occasion, but the profound self-hatred intrinsic to envy, as defined by Morrison, has rarely been part of my emotional landscape.

Jealousy and Envy in the Novel and in My Life

To Maureen, jealousy signifies an initial desire to acquire an item possessed by another, whereas envy represents the escalation of this jealousy to a point where it becomes unbearable. Jealousy, in its nascent form, manifests as a reaction to someone else possessing something that an individual does not have, thereby arousing feelings of frustration and resentment towards the possessor. Maureen perceives jealousy as "natural – a desire to have what someone else had" (Morrison, 74), deeming it a customary and even healthy emotion. However, when this jealousy metamorphoses into envy, as Maureen experiences it, it takes on a more sinister quality. Envy is characterized by an "intense hatred" directed inward, leading to profound self-loathing and apprehension of these newfound emotions (Morrison, 74). Maureen grapples with the onset of envy, recognizing it as a novel and unsettling emotional experience.

My own encounters with jealousy parallel Maureen's sentiments. I have, at times, felt envious of my peers' material possessions, particularly when confronted with the latest technological advancements and devices that outstrip my own. Such jealousy often triggers a natural inclination to seek ways to acquire similar possessions. However, crucially, my jealousy has not translated into negative feelings toward the individuals themselves. In the context of my school, Francis Parker, where many students may possess the same popular items, it is neither practical nor reasonable to harbor resentment towards every peer who owns such items.

Envy, as described by Morrison, carries a more profound and potentially perilous weight. Although I have experienced occasional bouts of jealousy, envy tends to lead down a path of despondency. The closest I have come to experiencing envy was during my early years when I struggled with reading. In lower school, I lagged behind my peers in reading proficiency and required the assistance of tutors and therapists on a weekly basis. While my classmates progressed without the need for such support, I felt that my efforts to catch up were in vain. Despite dedicating considerably more time to practice, my reading speed and comprehension lagged behind. Importantly, my sentiments were not directed at my peers, who were diligently following the teacher's instructions and progressing as expected. Rather, my dissatisfaction was primarily self-directed, stemming from a sense of frustration regarding the considerable time and effort I invested in my reading skills without witnessing commensurate improvements. While my feelings during this period may not fully align with the intensity of envy, they nevertheless signified unhappiness with my reading abilities without descending into self-hatred.

Conclusion

In "The Bluest Eye," Maureen's jealousy centers on the physical beauty possessed by other girls, an attribute she fervently desires. However, as she grapples with the realization that she cannot attain these qualities and must contend with her own reality, her jealousy evolves into a more profound sense of envy. Although my experiences with jealousy may parallel Maureen's to some extent, particularly in coveting possessions rather than resenting individuals, I have not traversed the same emotional depth into the realm of self-hatred. While jealousy may continue to play a role in my life, it has not morphed into the consuming force of envy, as described by Toni Morrison.

References

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