V. SYMBOLISM
Beloved is the most complex symbol within the novel, mainly representing past. She reminds Sethe, Denver, and Paul D of the forgotten for years. “[I]f you go there—you who was never there—if you go there and stand in the place where it was, it will happen again; it will be there, waiting for you . . . [E]ven though it’s all over—over and done with—it’s going to always be there waiting for you” (43-4). Beloved aroused the evident history needed to move forward, yet became a life-sucking figure when she stays too long bringing about regret in Sethe then resentment in Denver and Paul D. Similarly, when one focuses too long on the past it becomes more difficult to move forward engulfed in what one cannot change. Likewise, the novel …show more content…
“’Follow the tree flowers,’ he said. ‘Only the tree flowers. As they go, you go. You will be where you want to be when they are gone’” (133). Following the trees, Paul D was symbolically lead to freedom. Each example constitutes to the idea that freedom relates to trees as it is the life sustaining force needed by all of humanity.
The tobacco tin box describes the heart of Paul D and his philosophy choosing to save his heart from tragedy by minimally feeling human emotions. “Saying more might push them both to a place they couldn’t get back from. He would keep the rest where it belonged: in that tobacco tin buried in his chest where a red heart used to be. Its lid rusted shut” (86). Paul D suppressed all of his emotions into his subconscious which allowed him to cope with the horrid acts he endured, yet he was never able to fully move on with his life until Beloved opened that box for him.
Denver’s birth signified the crossing from slavery into freedom. Born on the Ohio River, her birth was almost miraculous and was the start of an actual life for Sethe. “And the magic of her birth, its miracle in fact, testified to that friendliness as did her own name” (36). Aided by the white woman, Amy Denver, Sethe was able to have her baby girl, no matter the circumstances. She was able to regain her strength and continue on to a life with her family for a while away from
Beloved is the most complex symbol within the novel, mainly representing past. She reminds Sethe, Denver, and Paul D of the forgotten for years. “[I]f you go there—you who was never there—if you go there and stand in the place where it was, it will happen again; it will be there, waiting for you . . . [E]ven though it’s all over—over and done with—it’s going to always be there waiting for you” (43-4). Beloved aroused the evident history needed to move forward, yet became a life-sucking figure when she stays too long bringing about regret in Sethe then resentment in Denver and Paul D. Similarly, when one focuses too long on the past it becomes more difficult to move forward engulfed in what one cannot change. Likewise, the novel …show more content…
“’Follow the tree flowers,’ he said. ‘Only the tree flowers. As they go, you go. You will be where you want to be when they are gone’” (133). Following the trees, Paul D was symbolically lead to freedom. Each example constitutes to the idea that freedom relates to trees as it is the life sustaining force needed by all of humanity.
The tobacco tin box describes the heart of Paul D and his philosophy choosing to save his heart from tragedy by minimally feeling human emotions. “Saying more might push them both to a place they couldn’t get back from. He would keep the rest where it belonged: in that tobacco tin buried in his chest where a red heart used to be. Its lid rusted shut” (86). Paul D suppressed all of his emotions into his subconscious which allowed him to cope with the horrid acts he endured, yet he was never able to fully move on with his life until Beloved opened that box for him.
Denver’s birth signified the crossing from slavery into freedom. Born on the Ohio River, her birth was almost miraculous and was the start of an actual life for Sethe. “And the magic of her birth, its miracle in fact, testified to that friendliness as did her own name” (36). Aided by the white woman, Amy Denver, Sethe was able to have her baby girl, no matter the circumstances. She was able to regain her strength and continue on to a life with her family for a while away from