Toni Morrison Presentation Reflection
Author: Toni Morrison (original name is Chloe Anthony Wofford)
Background information:
- African American female writer, a Nobel prize winner, and was a professor at Princeton University.
- Born in Lorain, Ohio on February 18, 1931.
- Her childhood was tough; she and her family experienced violence and racial prejudice.
- Her works are based on what she was taught and experienced from her childhood. Embracing her black heritage and grew up with a lot of African American beliefs and traditions i.e. story telling being.
- Famous works include, “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eyes”
“Sweetness”:
- It’s an excerpt from her novel, “God Help The Child”
- Published in February 9th, 2015.
- Talk about the book a little: a dark-skinned girl, Lula Ann Bridewell and her struggles and harsh life regarding on accepting for who she is.
- The beginning of the excerpt-> family history.
- The social context: racism was very much alive back in the days and how there was segregation, i.e “one bible reserved for negroes”
- Main claim-> Portrays that there are many layers of racism even within the black community; this idea that even if you are black, the more darker you are automatically looked down upon; i.e the mom was embarrassed the moment she gave birth to her when she looked at the skin color.
- Story is effective because it focuses on the harsh reality of racism in another level; something that’s not mentioned a lot, another element of racism. Story is very personal, yet harsh; written with emotion through a first-person narrative.
Questions:
- What do you think is the meaning of the name “Sweetness”? Why do you think the mother wanted her daughter to call her that?
- Do you believe her justifications and the act of being tough on her daughter are valid and why?
- Why do you think the author compares her pride, knowing that her daughter is successful, to a peacock? What does that symbolize?
- Can you relate to story in the sense where else can you see this concept/ mentality that if you’re dark, you’ll have a harder time fitting in in society?
Reflection:
Overall, my presentation was average but definitely lacked enthusiasm. I had sufficient information on the author and the piece, but I could’ve paced myself as I didn’t talk for the whole 20 minutes. I did discuss one rhetorical term but could’ve elaborated and use more reason to support the information. The whole time I was anxious and didn’t prepare too well because I didn’t use a specific technique to engage my audience. Also, I could’ve participated in some questions and include my thoughts as I was planning to like for question four but didn’t share them due my nerves.