Skip to Main Content

ENGL 236 Introduction to Literature LibGuide: The Elements of Fiction

Morrison and Religion

Morrison and Religion:

Most of Toni Morrison’s work contains religious iconography as she has always found herself including many biblical allusions and images in her prose. Furthermore, despite her saying she does not follow any particular sect of Christianity, she has an interest in the Catholic Church:

 

GROSS: So is there any form of religion in your life now?

 

MORRISON: Not a structured one. I might be easily seduced to go back to church because I like the controversy as well as the beauty of this particular Pope Francis. He's very interesting to me (NPR 33:40).

 

In this novel, she often alludes to biblical tales and symbols as many of the characters share similarities with certain biblical figures. For instance, the misfortunes of the Vaarks resemble the plagues of Egypt, Sorrow’s journey reflects that of the book of Jonah, and throughout the novel the Blacksmith is given a savior’s status akin to that of Christ as Florens speaks of him like a god who is able to heal the ailments of others.

 

For more of Morrison’s opinion on religion: https://www.npr.org/2015/08/24/434132724/i-regret-everything-toni-morrison-looks-back-on-her-personal-life