Question

How does the Black community's treatment of Pecola reflect the novel's themes?

• A. They fully support her struggle for beauty.
• B. They isolate and belittle her due to her darker skin and poverty.
• C. They embrace Pecola and offer her help.
• D. They ignore her but treat her kindly.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. They isolate and belittle her due to her darker skin and poverty.

Pecola becomes a scapegoat for the community’s internalized racism and self-hatred. She is mistreated because she is dark-skinned, poor, and powerless — representing the society’s projection of shame and inadequacy.