Customer Reviews

Morrison's Beloved (Cliffs Notes)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I was astontished and fasninated by the writings of Toni Morrison. She made every aspect of my whole being come alive with her deep imagery and masterful words. Everyone who needs to be touched by a powerful force needs to read "Beloved"

At the end of the book PaulD said, "Well, if you want my opinion-" Denver said, "I don't." I think the author is asking to form your own opinion. I think the author is saying that Beloved is slavery and that she is in Sethe's mind. Even after body is free of slavery the mind is not. Also Beloved is about loneliness.

"Beloved" was I think was didactically evil and good spirit that plauged Sethie as an earthly spirit and not in flesh. It was perceived by the other people as real but only because Sethie had made it this way. When Halle comes to visit the house, this is where one of the core themes of the book starts. Sethie can live only with guilt of her lost child. She feels that she doesn't deserve the right to be truly free in life and for her children's sake. Halle becomes a "Diversion" so to speak. He becomes a symbol of freedom for Sethie. Sethie is able to feel love? She is able to vaguely forget or Disremember what has happend to her and condone Halle's love. Halle symbolizes freedom in this book and freedom comes to free Sethie's guilt from bereavement. The spirit appears in some sort of surrealistic form to relapse and plauge Sethie's guilt. Just read the book on my own and this is my own opinion or general jist of what the book was about. I think this woman is spectacularly witty and completely engorges my intellect. I really don't understand a lot of her symbolism that she uses, but I want to learn more. If anyone would like to reply I would love to hear from you thanks.

Morisson understands the time immediately after the Civil War very well, and presents a riveting look at the effects of slavery on the black psyche. Her use of graphically violent images may seem extreme, and turn off many readers, but it certainly makes its point, loud and clear. The way that Morisson starts with the generalities of the story and then moves to specifics is a little irritating and confusing though. She addresses many ideas central to African American literature, especially community and gender.

The Cliff Notes Company believes that it is above hundreds of other companies by thinking that its product should not be published online whatsoever. and those that do are threatened with lawsuits for copyright infringement. Many websites have been shut down becuase of their 'superiority' over hundreds of other publishing companies whos own material is eveready at the click of a button. Sites such as these are public services for those who do not have the time or money to buy the book and cliff notes themselves. These people are just trying to educate themselves with a better understanding of a book. But now it seems that the whole idea behind the internet ( free knowledge ) is being slowly killed by companies claiming rights to everything to make the next dollar. It's not called the Information SuperHighway for nothing you know.

- N.N.N.