American Literature II

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison depicts the long-lasting and devastating effects that slavery has on African-Americans, physically as well as emotionally. The story takes place after the Civil War during the so-called period of Reconstruction. The story skips between a time when slavery was still existent in the South, and a time when former slaves were struggling to get used to their newfound freedom.

One thing that immediately stood out to me is the author’s habitual use of magical realism. Despite the numerous descriptions of supernatural events, the story never comes across as unrealistic or unauthentic. Fiction and reality merge seamlessly as all characters believe in ghosts, and their beliefs are a reflection of Afro-Caribbean spiritual beliefs and practices which were common amongst slaves at that time. Nevertheless, I think it is somewhat paradoxical that the character of Sethe would believe in ghosts as she is otherwise portrayed as a tough as nails and cynical woman. The ghost is not the only thing in the novel that show’s how the past is connected to the present. Sethe is constantly moving back and forth between the past and the present through her rememories that it seems like she is stuck in an endless loop of the same events.

An aspect that is very interesting is the impact that Beloved’s ghost has on the family’s life. To me it seems that the ghost itself is a representation of slavery. It wreaks havoc on the family’s life, and even led Sethe’s two sons to leave the family home. Thus, the ghost is responsible for the separation of the family just like slavery broke up countless families. In general, the character of Beloved is one that keeps me guessing. When she later appears as a physical form, she is suffering from health problems and has a hard time breathing. I think this is connected to the part in which Sethe describes holding her baby after its throat had been cut. While I can’t help but wonder how a ghost can experience health problems, I think it is another beautiful example of the author connecting the past with the present as well as her having an eye for detail.

Another detail that stood out is the author’s use of oxymorons such as “the old baby” which I think are intentionally used to confuse readers (Morrison 5). By ascribing unconventional adjectives to nouns, the author conveys to the reader the feeling of confusion and uncertainty which slaves must have experienced every day of their lives. Being treated like property they were unable to decide over their own body or fate. They could be sold any day and whole families were ripped apart. Morrison uses strong adjectives and sensory imagery throughout her novel which draws the reader into the story and makes him go through what the characters are going through.

Personally, I always have to like the characters and be able to relate to them in order to enjoy reading a novel. Even though Morrison’s characters come with a plethora of flaws, they are likable enough to make the novel an engaging read. I like Sethe’s inner strength and bluntness. I also appreciate Morrison’s bluntness, and that she’s not trying to sugarcoat the descriptions of slave practices. Of course, the tone is oftentimes very dark and depressing but in my opinion it is necessary if you approach a heavy topic like that of slavery.