Patricia Hill Collins’ Black Feminine Identity in Toni Morrison’s Beloved

Abstract

The present study is going to read Toni Morrison’s Beloved in the light of Patricia Hill Collins’ notions of “matrix of domination” and “controlling images” to see how the novel produces resisting Black discourse. This study argues that these notions can be discussed through Morrison’s attempts at storytelling within the novel, resulting in the creation of a distinctive identity. The significance of this study lies in its use of a new approach, that of Collins’ notions, to the novel. In the beginning, an introductory note on Morrison and Collins is presented. This is followed by a survey of theoretical background on Collins’ ideas. Then, the questions of identity and storytelling are explored in the novel. Finally, the concluding notes are presented.