Morrison's Beloved (Cliffs Notes) [Paperback]

Mary Robinson (Author), Kris Fulkerson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cliffsnotes Literature Guides | Publication Date: December 4, 2000

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also features glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format.

CliffsNotes on Beloved sheds light on Toni Morrison’s skill in penetrating the unconstrained, unapologetic inner motivations of numerous characters who shouldered the horrific burden of slavery’s hidden sins. Less a suspense novel than a treatise on acceptance and endurance, this novel has struck an appreciative chord with those who value the painful process of creating a guilt-ridden, near-crazed survivor.

With help from this study guide, you’ll not only survive – you’ll thrive in your understanding of Morrison’s memorable work. You’ll also find valuable information about the author and her influences. Other features that help you study include

• Character analyses of major players
• A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters
• Critical essays
• A review section that tests your knowledge
• A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites

Classic literature or modern modern-day treasure — you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Cliffs Notes; 1 edition (December 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076458667X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764586675
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anything but unbelievable and incomprehensible, March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Morrison's Beloved (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

I wasn't originally going to comment on this book, but after reading the multitude of bizarre responses from other readers I couldn't resist. Comments describing Toni Morrison's poor grasp of the English language, the unorganized, sloppy writing style, and the characters' unbelievable motivations baffled me. And then there was the confused reader from Columbus, Ohio who believes the novel is about devil-worshipping. But what struck me the most was how many teenage readers didn't understand the novel. Guys, you're making us look bad! There is nothing in Beloved that an average reader should have difficulty with; anyone who abandons their expectations and opens their mind to the writing style will thoroughly enjoy such an engrossing novel. The writing style is not sloppy and unorganized, it was a carefully planned randomness, an attempt to imitate the way "rememories" surface in a person's mind. This is how the novel progresses--the characters recall memories in response to the slightest stimuli, thinking of the past daily the way we all do. And it is their pasts which become the characters' motivations in the present, guiding their actions and branching the plot into an ever-expanding chokecherry tree of intrigue. Does the novel wrap up all of its loose ends? No, it doesn't even come close, but that, once again, is a result of the experimental (and successful!) writing style. There is no true end, and no true beginning; like time and memories the novel is fluid. As Toni Morrison herself said, the past is infinite, as is the world of BELOVED.

5.0 out of 5 stars Toni Morrison's express great emotion in her writings., November 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Morrison's Beloved (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

Beloved was one of the most outspoken novels I have read in my eighteen years of life. Toni Morrison is a writer of thorough expression and has earn her title as one of the world's best authors. Morrison's writings possess originality, personality, and an incredible sense of reality. She deserves five stars.

4.0 out of 5 stars It is a very new and different angle on slavery., November 4, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Morrison's Beloved (Cliffs Notes) (Paperback)

I think that it was a great book that strays from the traditional angle on slavery. Never before have authors written about postslavery. Although, "Beloved" is very unorganized in its delivery of information, as a whole it provides new insight into the slavery at that time. After reading it, I did have one thought that I would appreciate peoples views on: Can you specifically explain the significance of why Paul D. repeats "Red heart" during the seduction scene from pages 114-117? Let me know what you think. E-mail me!