IndexIntroductionJealousy and envy in the novel and in my lifeConclusionReferencesIntroductionIn Toni Morrison's novel "The Bluest Eye", the author delves into the nuanced distinction between jealousy and envy, shedding light on the complexity of these emotions. According to Morrison, jealousy is characterized by harboring feelings of resentment and hostility towards another individual due to having something that one wants but lacks. It is an emotion that ignites the desire to obtain the desired object or fuels the owner's desire for deprivation. On the other hand, Morrison outlines envy as a feeling rooted in self-loathing resulting from the absence of something desired. In my personal experiences, I have occasionally encountered jealousy, but the deep self-hatred intrinsic to 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Jealousy and Envy in the Novel and in My Life For Maureen, jealousy indicates an initial desire to acquire an object owned by another, while envy represents the escalation of this jealousy to the point where it becomes unbearable. Jealousy, in its nascent form, manifests itself as a reaction to the possession of something that an individual does not possess, thus giving rise to feelings of frustration and resentment towards the possessor. Maureen perceives jealousy as "natural - a desire to have what someone else had" (Morrison, 74), believing it to be a usual and even healthy emotion. However, when this jealousy turns into envy, as Maureen experiences it, it takes on a more sinister quality. Envy is characterized by an “intense hatred” directed inward, leading to deep self-loathing and apprehension of these new emotions (Morrison, 74). Maureen grapples with the onset of envy, recognizing it as a new and disturbing emotional experience. My encounters with jealousy parallel Maureen's feelings. I have sometimes felt envious of my peers' material possessions, particularly when confronted with the latest technological advances and devices that surpass my own. Such jealousy often triggers a natural inclination to look for ways to acquire similar possessions. However, importantly, my jealousy did not translate into negative feelings towards 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 peer who owns such items. Envy, as described by Morrison, carries with it a deeper effect and potentially dangerous burden. While I have experienced occasional bouts of jealousy, envy tends to lead down a path of despondency. The closest I came to feeling envy was during my early years, when I struggled with reading. In junior high school I was behind my peers in reading ability and needed assistance from tutors and therapists on a weekly basis. While my classmates progressed without needing such support, I felt that my efforts to catch up were in vain. Even though I spent a lot more time practicing, my reading speed and comprehension lagged behind. Importantly, my feelings were not directed at my classmates, who dutifully followed the teacher's instructions and progressed as expected. Rather, my dissatisfaction was primarily self-directed, stemming from a sense of frustration with the considerable time and effort I had invested in my, 25(8), 1007-1020.