Question

Why do the black boys bully Pecola, according to the analysis?

• A. They think she is weak and easy to target.
• B. They are jealous of her family.
• C. They project their own self-hate onto her.
• D. They are encouraged by Maureen to bully her.

Answer 1

Answer:

C. They project their own self-hate onto her.

The boys have internalized white ideals of beauty and worth. They see their own perceived ugliness and blackness in Pecola and, unable to process this self-loathing, externalize it through bullying. Their cruelty reflects the psychological damage inflicted by systemic racism and pro-white propaganda.