자본주의와 분쟁 : 토니 모리슨의 『타르 베이비』

Capitalism and Contentions: Toni Morrison s Tar Baby

This paper examines various types of conflict caused by capitalism in Toni Morrison s Tar Baby. The setting of the novel may remind readers of a sugarcane plantation in the West Indies in the 18th century, when the slave trade prevailed. The first conflict found in the novel, therefore, is that between a white master and black slaves. Ever since the time of slavery, most of the black people have suffered from poverty and they still have to depend on their white master to survive in a capitalist society. This gives rise to a perpetual tension in their relationship because although they hate each other one must continually be submissive to the other s power. The second conflict is one within the black community. Wealthier, educated blacks think they are superior to poorer, uneducated ones and this mechanism simply reflects the white capitalist society. Poverty originating from the slave trade keeps most blacks in the underclass in a capitalist society. It seems difficult for them to escape from the power of capital.