Recitatiff By Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s short story called ‘Recitatiff’ is mostly about growing up in 20th century America during African-American Civil Rights Movement. Twyla, the main character, and Roberta, her friend from the orphanage, are both of a different race. The author never explicitly tells which one of them is black, and which one is white. Although it might seem that race defines who you are and what your social status is, both girls are somewhat equal and start on the same level. Even by the end of the story, we do not get to find out their race. Thanks to that, the reader will not be biased towards any character. It is very refreshing not having the characters categorised; race is still important to the story but it is placed in the background. We
only get hints of the girls’ races but it is up to the readers’ perception and stereotypes to definitely assume one thing or another. Even though Twyla does not want to be placed in the same room with a person of another race, she and Roberta eventually become friends in the orphanage.