One could say Pecola is the most powerless character in the novel. She is powerless in her inability to stop a group of schoolboys who "gaily harassed" (Morrison 65) her. She is powerless against her very appearance being met with looks of "disgust, even anger" (Morrison 49) simply for being a black female. She is powerless against the shame and jealousy that comes from receiving pity ice-cream from richer classmates. She is powerless against her father raping her.
One could also say that Pecola is an extremely powerful entity. Just like Brent Staples, Pecola alters the public space around her simply by being there. Her impression of vulnerability tells the other characters that she is fragile, so she is an object to be taken care of- like by buying her ice cream. It also tells the other characters that her weakness is something to be taken advantage of- like the power that comes with raping her.
Pecola is powerless to Maureen in a way that is similar to the way Maureen is powerless to white beauty ideals. Morrison shows use that everybody is truly powerless. Those that have no "power" are powerless to higher authority. Those that have "power" are powerless to the objects and ideas that grant them power.
Woah, I never really thought of Pecola of actually having any form of power, but you drew attention to the notice her lack of power drew. Also, I liked your conclusion--maybe humans just like to pretend they have power to increase their self-worth.
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