Annotation for Toni Morrison Interview

Summary:
This week's annotation is in response to an interview conducted by Charlie Rose on the famous Toni Morrison, writer, professor, and editor. Morrison typically writes on issues that have faced or continually face black community, and is the acclaimed writer of many books, winning the Pullitzer and Nobel prize. At the time of the interview her new book being released was Love, a novel about blacks becoming american and the hardships among the black community; with the main character ostracized for caring for something wounded. Morrison's most famous work Beloved tells a story about slavery, and at this point in her life Morrison knew she was a writer and nothing was more important than writing and being a good parent to her children. Morrison discussed how being an editor has helped her as a writer but each book is like a new canvas and a new start. Most importantly, Morrison wants her readers to get the meaning of her books and lives by the notion that she hasn't done her best work yet.

Reaction:
Having never seen Morrison in an interview like scenerio I was really surprised at how modest and calm she remained throughout the interview. In response to one of Rose's questions she even said my life is boring I don't do anything, but my mind is exciting. She clearly is very humble about her acheivements, which I think contributes to what makes Toni Morrison so inspring. I can relate with her on the turning point of when she decided who she was. I always knew I was interested in medicine but was looking for a direction, and as soon as I did some job shadowing I realized I wanted to be a physician's assistant, and have been persuing my goal ever since-- similar to Morrison's encounter with writing Beloved. I also thought her view of all her characters being winners even if they ended up dying was an interesting idea. Morrison seems to be able to see the positive side of things even through trajedy. I agree with the idea of a character's experience being an "epiphany", no matter what the outcome.

Reflection:
Even though Morrison does write about the black community I think she has a widespread appeal to her audience. I think Morrison aims to make connections with her readers which has helped in her success as a writer. She repeatedly touched on the notion that we need to "become and remain human" and to not give in to the comic book lifestyle. In Morrison's writing she has chosen topics revealing good and bad sides of humanity but most significantly the reality of it all; and I believe she tries to intertwine her philosophies about life with her writings. In my opinion she definitely has the right ideas and I think the way she talks and writes can be inspiring to other people. She encourages people to embrace who they are and not to try and fit into the confines of society.

Questions:
1. Given Morrison is a professor at Princeton and has the ability to impact a large number of people, what course would you have her teach and what would it entail?

2. Can Toni Morrison's writing style fit into the stages of Vogler's heroe's journey? Why/why not?

3. Morrison discussed black sepratism being important to the civil rights movement in addition to black nationalism, how do the two function together as one?