Character Analysis Of Stamp Paid

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Stamp Paid was a driving force behind the novel. He worked as a ferryman that transported slaves across the Ohio River for over twenty years. Although a minor character, Stamp Paid builds a lot of strong relationships and affected the lives of many people. From an early stage in the novel, he made a strong and lasting bond with Sethe and her family. He was a guide and a teacher to Denver and Baby Suggs. He watched over them and took care of them. Stamp Paid was originally born with the name Joshua but changed it after handing his wife over to their master’s son. He felt as if he had paid off all of his life’s debts and did not owe anyone anything. Even though he does not owe anyone anything, through his compassion and care for others, Stamp …show more content…

Being a freed slave, he had the opportunity to positively affect those around him. The first time we meet Stamp Paid, Morrison informs us of exactly what type of man he is. He made a young boy give his coat to Sethe’s newborn baby, Denver. It’s important to note that this was Stamp Paid’s first interaction with Denver and Sethe. Although it was the young boy’s jacket, Stamp Paid promoted the values of sharing and compassion among his companions everywhere he went. After putting up much resistance, Stamp Paid threatened the young boy to “go on ‘way somewhere and don’t come back” (107). Stamp Paid offers him the alternative of taking the coat off the baby. It’s safe to say, his nephew gave Denver his coat. Stamp Paid always helped those in need. Sethe and her baby had nothing. Instead of ignoring them, Stamp Paid feels the need to help. This was an important first impression for the readers to see exactly what type of character Stamp Paid is. This is the layout for the type of relationship they had and the affect of Denver on Stamp Paid’s life and vice …show more content…

Even though Sethe only spent one month at 124, she felt what it was like to feel free. After coming to 124, Sethe enjoyed the company, knowing the names of other black people, and loved “how it felt to wake up at dawn and decide what to do with the day” (111). For once, Sethe felt comfortable in her own skin at 124. During her time there, she had time to heal, leisure time, and engaged in many intelligent and real conversations with people who were just like her. Talking about the same struggles that she and the fellow slaves went through made it easier to talk about. She also learned a lot. She learned how to stitch, as well as the alphabet. Stamp Paid was the catalyst to Sethe “claim[ing] herself” (111). In the first twenty-eight days upon arriving at 124, the overall quality of life improved for Sethe and she has Stamp Paid to thank for that. Because of her past enslavement, Sethe was never able to experience a safe place like 124. Stamp Paid’s role in ferrying her across the Ohio River made a lasting impact on her

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