For a wrap to the semester, we’ve been reading Toni Morrison’s Beloved. This story has been a ride of emotions for me, and based on the in class discussions I’ve been present for, most people would agree. This novel has so much little detail, plot twist and turns, various characters that you are really taken for a ride with the narrative. The ending of the book makes me realize what a good way it is to conclude our semester.
When we begin the book, Morrison sets us up for almost all we need to know about Sethe and her family. We know their home, their current situation and perception by the community. Based on what we’ve read here, the story doesn’t seem to have much going on. But as the characters develop and the details come in, we learn a lot about the types of serious experiences these characters have had to overcome. Paul D has experienced many harsh realities of life on Sweet Home, and the same with Sethe. On the other hand, Denver’s apparent emotional dependency is most likely due to the life her mother provided for her. All in all we see the ways that living together in 124 molds these characters together. In addition to that Beloved’s presence in the house makes it clear that they can never really escape the past or each other. They will forever be interlinked.
Now that the book has come to a close one of the most interesting literary decisions that Morrison makes is revealing Sethe’s truth. Because we start the book with such admiring and supportive feelings for Sethe. I see her as a strong mother figure who because of her circumstances is doing what she can to love and protect Denver (and in some ways the spirit of Beloved as well). When we find out that Sethe is responsible for the death of her child it is shocking, and difficult to easily comprehend. As we learn in the text, her decision to do it was out of love. She makes the ultimate sacrifice for her daughter to ensure she won't live a life anything like hers, on a plantation. In some ways this seems like the most selfless thing a mother can do. On the other hand, who gives Sethe the right to make that choice? The townspeople wonder what gives Sethe the boldness to make such a choice and live with it honorably. These questions aren't easy to answer, and I think that is purposeful on Morrison’s part. She very well describes the complexity of the feelings Sethe felt and the way she acted. In many ways it is clear Sethe really isn't over her past. The presence of Beloved’s suffering alone shows that she is still holding on to the pain of her choice. In addition, she almost dies at the amount of pressure put upon her by Beloved. I think this shows how much that effect still holds a handle on her even after her confession. Overall this was a great novel, with many interesting topics open for discussion. I am glad that this incredible work by Morrison was our final text of this class.
