Toni Morrison

Summary

Through this interview, Toni Morrison discussed her work as a writer, in specific the books “Love” and “Beloved.” She discusses the progression of African American history such as the times of segregation and the Civil Rights Movement and how they are incorporated in the story “Love.” Also “Beloved” was written after she had started living on her own. Through her stories, Toni claims that she does not just try to throw characters into stories, but rather try to make them fit the context of the story. Also, she states that all of her characters are winners because although they may die or lose a loved one, they have discovered something important on their journey, an epiphany. She says that it is important not to make the characters fit the author’s characteristics and qualities, but form their own.

Reaction

I felt that the interview progressed somewhat slowly. It was interesting, however, to hear her take on how she became a writer. As I have said time and time again, there were several obstacles in the road to studying biology, but over time, I was able to figure out how to make everything work out. There have been several times when people did not think I was capable of carrying out an activity, but I ended up proving them wrong.

Reflection

In the interview, she claims that the more times one works on a story, the better it gets. She also claimed that she has yet to write her best work. Perhaps this means that she may never actually write her best story as it can always be improved. What she discusses reminds me of my human development classes as we analyze how people function. As Toni writes stories, she analyzes what is important to the plot and what attributes each character should have.

3 Questions

1. What has influenced you in order to receive the drive needed to excel at an activity in your life? How?

2. What does love mean to you?

3. Do you feel as if you have carried out your best moment in life or are you still waiting on it? Why?