Beloved Chapters 4-9

Discussion Characters Chronology History – taboo subjects and rememory Writing Style Images & Symbols Tone & Mood Themes

Bridge Chapter (Chapter 4) Carnival. Paul D initiates another change for Sethe and Denver “…the shadows of three people still held hands…” (Chapter 4) High point of happiness Denotes a change Contrast between public vs. private selves (the closed past with secrets and painful, haunting memories) Physically going to the carnival provided opportunities for each character to be open.

Important Images Boxwood (3) Baby Sugg’s pondering color before her death (1) Brother (2) – personification of a tree White dress (3) – symbol of innocence and purity Hand-holding shadows (4)

Beloved’s Arrival Characteristics of a baby – needy, dependent, unsophisticated Characteristics of a baby – needy, dependent, unsophisticated But really years old (5) But really years old (5) Sethe’s water breaking (5) – note Morrison’s symbolic use of water Sethe’s water breaking (5) – note Morrison’s symbolic use of water NOTE Morrison’s insistence on our wrestling with the past and a loss of dignity NOTE Morrison’s insistence on our wrestling with the past and a loss of dignity

Chapter 5: A Thirst for Knowledge Why does Beloved seem so familiar to Sethe? (5) Why does Beloved seem so familiar to Sethe? (5) What is significant about Paul D always asking questions? What is significant about Paul D always asking questions? Mood and Tone: a sense of heaviness in the air Mood and Tone: a sense of heaviness in the air Why does Morrison want Denver to mature in this chapter? Why does Morrison want Denver to mature in this chapter?

Chapter 6: Effects of Beloved’s questions on Sethe 1 st question – “Where your diamonds?” Story of wedding dress (6) 1 st question – “Where your diamonds?” Story of wedding dress (6) 2 nd question – “Your woman she never fix up your hair?” Story of Ma’am’s “mark” (6). First we hear of Sethe’s mother 2 nd question – “Your woman she never fix up your hair?” Story of Ma’am’s “mark” (6). First we hear of Sethe’s mother Additional memory – Nan and the slave ship (6). The haunting nature of repressed anger. Additional memory – Nan and the slave ship (6). The haunting nature of repressed anger. Lesson: “Whatever you run away from, you eventually run into it.” Deal with your problems before they become even bigger. Lesson: “Whatever you run away from, you eventually run into it.” Deal with your problems before they become even bigger.

Process of Memory being released Central conflict at the beginning of Chapter 7. Paul D’s story of Halle and the churn, the bit and “Mister,” the rooster (7). “Mister was allowed to be and stay…” (7) What is a bit? Why are they used with animals?

Chapter 8: Learning the Dance of Life Important image of death and being buried (8) Repetition as a means of establishing MEMORY. Mention of water and diamonds again Like the chokecherry tree on Sethe’s back (8)…constant reminders of loss and isolation and loneliness. Carrying the burden on her back. Social commentary – cp. The Declaration of Independence

The Maturation of Denver “Denver was seeing it now and feeling it – through Beloved” (8). “Mama’s Song” (8). Look at the lyrics. Analyze its message. Flashback to Amy with Sethe on the Ohio river (8). Why now? What is Sethe remembering and why? What is being born?

Chapter 9: Another Change  “IT WAS TIME to lay it all down” (9).  Nine years since Baby Sugg’s death  Significance of Baby Sugg’s preaching (9)  Message about LOVE (88)

Counter-message to white slave-owners TTTTo the Clearing (9) SSSSethe, Denver and Beloved leave 124 on a mission MMMMorrison repeatedly mentions the color green. What does green symbolize? AAAAnother flashback to Amy (9) AAAAssumed knowledge of the Underground Railroad. Introduction to Stamp Paid.

Image of Crossing the Ohio River: Freedom?  Stamp Paid – helps Sethe and Denver cross the Ohio river (9)  Flashback leads back to Baby Suggs (9)  Back to the Clearing (9)

Biblical Allusion & The Clearing  Moses and the Israelites – the Book of Exodus  “With Baby Sugg’s heart in charge, the people let go” (9).  Sethe recognizes the importance of remembering the past and is thankful for Paul D (9)  “The Clearing” – multiple meanings  Fugitives and Abolitionists