Analysis of Beloved, by Tony Morrison

Beloved is a novel written by Tony Morrison and is based on the American Civil War. The plot of the novel is based on the effects, consequences and the results of the Civil War. The author uses characters that would effectively bring out the Civil War theme in terms of social circles and occupations in the society. The novel is based on the characters regarded as slaves or have undergone capture, slavery and escaped from their masters (Haskins & Haskins 13). The main character in the novel, Sethe is a former slave and she underwent cruel times under her master. She manages to escape but the escape was not smooth as she lost one of her daughters in the process

The significance of the plot was to highlight the plight of individuals who underwent the practice. However, the plot of the novel seeks to highlight the consequences experienced by a person regardless of their reason behind a deed. Other factors such as religion and social ties are effectively highlighted in the novel. In an argument by Koolish the plot is based on the tribulations and the society setting before and after the civil war (45). The author also recognizes the steps slaves have taken to ensure they establish a society that appreciates their existence in society. The relationship between the author and the characters is created out of the feeling of pity and concern over the practice of slavery. Koolish recognizes the vice of parenthood and good parenting (52). Parenting is however, highlighted unusually in the context of the novel as the author highlights the extreme parenting steps that parents take to save their families or children. Additionally, the author adapts the theme of supernatural acts and beings as part of characters in the novel. One character in...

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... the novel. Flashbacks are used to create a feeling of remembrance or revelation to past events that were not introduced to the audience. The introduction of the supernatural character of Beloved was not explained in the plot prior to her introduction. However, through flashbacks Sethe is enabled to narrate the ordeal between her and her daughter. By use of flashbacks, the audience is able to be informed on past events that help create the plot of the literature piece.

Works Cited

Andrews, Williams. & McKay, Nelly.Toni Morrison's Beloved: A Casebook. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1999. Print.

Haskins, Jim. & Haskins, James.Toni Morrison: Telling a tale untold. New York: 21st Century Books. 2002. Print.

Koolish, Lynda. To be loved and cry shame: A psychological reading of Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Connecticut: MELUS, University of Connecticut. 2001. Print.