Table of contentsIntroductionJealousy and envy in the novel and in my lifeConclusionReferencesIntroductionIn Toni Morrison's novel "The Bluest Eye", the author looks on the nuanced distinction between jealousy and envy. envy, highlighting the subtleties of these emotions. According to Morrison, jealousy is characterized by harboring feelings of resentment and hostility toward another individual due to the possession of something one desires but lacks. It is an emotion that either arouses the desire to attain the coveted object or arouses the owner's desire for deprivation. On the other hand, Morrison defines envy as a feeling rooted in self-loathing arising from the absence of something one desires. In my personal experiences, I have occasionally encountered jealousy, but the deep self-loathing inherent in envy, as defined by Morrison, has rarely been part of my emotional landscape. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayJealousy and Envy in the Novel and in My LifeFor Maureen, jealousy means an initial desire to acquire an object possessed by another, whereas envy represents the escalation of that jealousy to a point where it becomes unbearable. Jealousy, in its incipient form, manifests itself as a reaction to someone else possessing something that an individual does not, thereby giving rise to feelings of frustration and resentment toward the possessor. Maureen perceives jealousy as “natural – a desire to have what someone else had” (Morrison, 74), considering it a habitual and even healthy emotion. However, when this jealousy turns into envy, as Maureen experiences, it takes a more sinister turn. Envy is characterized by an “intense hatred” directed inward, leading to deep self-loathing and apprehension of these new emotions (Morrison, 74). Maureen struggles with the onset of the urge, recognizing it as a new and unsettling emotional experience. My own encounters with jealousy parallel Maureen's feelings. I have sometimes felt envious of the material possessions of my peers, especially when confronted with the latest technological advances and devices that surpass my own. Such jealousy often triggers a natural inclination to seek ways to acquire similar goods. But importantly, my jealousy did not translate into negative feelings toward the individuals themselves. In the context of my school, Francis Parker, where many students may own the same popular items, it is neither practical nor reasonable to harbor resentment toward every classmate who owns such items. Envy, as described by Morrison, carries a deeper and potentially more profound effect. perilous weight. Although I have experienced occasional bouts of jealousy, envy tends to lead to discouragement. The closest I came to wanting to was in my early years, when I struggled to read. In middle school, I lagged behind my peers in reading fluency and needed help from tutors and therapists on a weekly basis. While my classmates progressed without needing such support, I felt like my efforts to catch up were in vain. Even though I spent much more time practicing, my reading speed and comprehension lagged behind. What is important is that my feelings were not directed at my peers, who diligently followed the teacher's instructions and, 25(8), 1007-1020.