The Single Tool of Persistence

One could simply analyze the theme of Toni Morrison's "Beloved" to be about slavery, but the reader is introduced to its many complexities through the social struggles of very different characters. Once Paul D finally grasped his overpriced sliver of freedom, he had to figure out if there was anything worthwhile he could do with it. Throughout "Beloved", Paul D struggles between his natural instincts to settle down, procreate, and rely on the people that were part of a life he wants to put behind him, or to stay on the move in constant search of something better to call his own. Although many of Paul's decisions seem to be irrationally made based on the poor coping skills he developed in a dysfunctional and constantly changing environment, he somehow manages to emerge strong and hopeful at the end of the story, representing the success an entire race that has struggled to rise from oppression with the simple tool of persistence.

When we are initially introduced to Paul D, he is fondly discussing his past at Sweet Home with Sethe as if it were blissful, until Denver inquisitively interrupts the conversation and inadvertently uncovers the truth, that the place was neither sweet nor considered home by any of the slaves. Sweet Home is a place many of "Beloved's" characters speak of when relating to family, since it represents the only time the majority of the Garners can recall being together. Although the surroundings were intrinsically beautiful and their initial owner, Mr.Garner, was considered to be a kind slave owner, their lives were still plagued with the tedious monotony of hard, physical slave labor. It is through this never ending hard work that many of the slaves, such as Paul D, were capable of acquiring the superla...

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...y looking forward to a hopeful happiness that would come with tomorrow. In the final chapter, Paul D's persistence leads him a step closer towards resolution, hope, and a domestic tranquility he constantly longed for, despite the turbulence and uncertainty of his past.

Works Cited

Aptheker, H. et al., eds. "Africans in America." World Wide Web. 1998. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2951.html

Dubois, W.E.B. "The Souls of Black Folk." World Wide Web. 2001. http://www.pagebypagebooks.com/W_E_B_DuBois/TheSoulsofBlackFolk/ofthessorrowsongs

Solomon, Barbara H., ed. "Critical Essays on Toni Morrison's Beloved." New York: G.K. Hall & Co. 1998

Morrison, Toni. "Beloved." New York: Plume. September, 1998.