A literary analysis on Beloved by Toni Morrison
Published in the year 1987, Beloved is a Toni Morrison novel that is set in the times after the American civil war i.e., 1861-1865. The plot development of the story revolves around the main character Sethe an inspiration from Margaret Garner, an African-American woman, and her escape to freedom. Formerly living and working as a slave in Kentucky, Sethe crosses the Ohio River to enter Ohio, which is a free state. Upon her capture, she kills her child rather than having her returned to slavery back in Kentucky.
Toni Morrison has applied a variety of literary devices and styles in the writing of this novel. The thematic concerns addressed in the topic mainly revolve around the theme of pain and suffering that appears to affect various characters in the book. Sethe, for instance, experiences pain and suffering when her sons run away from home, which she believes is because of the presence of the abusive ghost that haunted their house at 124. “Howard and Burglar, ran away. Sethe believes they fled because of the malevolent presence of an abusive ghost that has haunted their house at 124 Bluestone Road for years. (Morrison, 1988)” She is subjected to more pain and suffering when she has to kill her daughter to save her from falling back into slavery. She says, “She was my best thing. (Morrison, 1988)” But Paul D replies, “You your best thing, Sethe (Morrison, 1988).”
Through addressing such pressing societal issues, Toni Morrison managed to appeal to the readers by presenting relatable issues, especially to the African-American community. In conjunction with the various literary narrative styles that the author has used, including vivid descriptions and addressing a variety of social challenges, the novel was able to spark interest among the readers and also served as an essential reference point in the field of African American literature.
Works Cited
Morrison, Toni. “Beloved. 1987.” New York: Plume 252 (1988).