Beloved is a spell-binding masterpiece that captures the true plight of slaves and the horror slavery brings. I have never read a novel as touching, maniac, and traumatizing as this. The story revolves around Sethe, a devoted mother and runaway slave, who fights to keep her past buried, but finds that it keeps "...[coming] back whether [she] want[s] it or not," (Chapter 1, 16). We follow her story, as well as others', as we learn of the real story of slavery and all the terror and pain that come with it through connections that turn arbitrary facts into startling revelations.
Throughout Beloved, Toni Morrison switches from one character's perspective to another. As the novel begins, we learn that Sethe (a former slave) and her daughter, Denver, have been living in 124 for many years. Once a strong, independent woman, Sethe's state deteriorates as a new woman named Beloved, who appears out of nowhere, arrives and takes claim to Sethe, exclaiming "She mine" (Chapter 20, 236), thus forcing Sethe's childhood friend, Paul D. out of the picture. Paul D, who appears unannounced, is Sethe's acquaintance from her earlier home, Sweet Home. They both have memories to reminisce on and they do so openly at first, which upsets Denver. Although she is immature towards Paul D in the very beginning, Denver eventually becomes a woman as she protects Sethe from Beloved.
Although this riveting account of Sethe's struggle to move on seems entirely plausible, this work is a Neo-slave narrative. Morrison brilliantly uses her imagination to depict the perfect insanity that unfolds within Beloved. Although this is not a real-life experience, Morrison plunges you into her world, making her story a reality. This work is also a prime example of philosophical fiction. Though this genre usually deals with a dystopian or imagined world, the events in Beloved, such as the "...hot thing..." (Chapter 22, 249) that brands Beloved and Sethe's frantic dash to "'...put [her] babies where they'd be safe,'" (Chapter 18, 193), may have actually happened to slaves when they were enslaved and as they were trying to do anything to protect themselves from being enslaved once more.
I was thoroughly entranced by Morrison's depiction of slavery throughout her book, but what captures my attention the most is the fact that she does so with eloquence, style, and mastery. It is clear why Beloved was awarded to Pulitzer Prize. Morrison captivates your mind and soul as she takes you through all the trauma, pain, and love that Sethe experiences throughout her life. Beloved is unrivaled and has become branded in my mind. It is "... a hot thing." (Chapter 22, 249)
