In Toni Morrison’s “Recitatif,” ambiguity and the absence of explicit racial markers can be seen as a powerful source in terms of exploring themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of race. By not specifying the exact racial identity of the characters. Morrison leaves the readers under the situation of creating assumption and their view of the story, while also highlighting the Importance of memory and identity. At first, it is how Morrison describes the characters’ racial identities. In the story, Twyla and Roberta’s races are never directly clarified, though there were some clues suggesting differing racial identities. Twyla points out that Roberta is “a little darker than me,” but the exact figure of their races is still unclear. This important lack of racial explanation forces readers to think clearly and challenges the idea of race as a fixed, defining characteristic. The ambiguity highlights the flow and involvement of racial identity, showing that most of the time, race is about perception and context rather than about clear, static categories. Secondly, there are also some memories of their time at the shelter which shows how memory is influenced by identity and race. Regarding the incident involving Maggie, a disabled woman, the versions of the story of both of the characters differ significantly. Twyla believes that she did not push Maggie, while Roberta recalls it differently, from where it can be seen that their racial identities and personal experiences may have shaped their opinion of the event. By not clearly stating Maggie’s race, Morrison shows the ambiguity and underscores how race molds memory and perception in ways that are not always clear. Finally, using racial ambiguity in “Recitatif” Morrison provoked the readers to question the role of race in shaping identity, memory, and the complications of human relationships, showing that these elements are not always as clear out as they may seem.

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