Before Sethe lived in 124, she was in a house called Sweet Home. From there, she knows Paul D and Halle, a man in which she had some children with but have either died or left. In the memories of Sweet Home, brutalic instances occurred. For example, Sethe was separated from Halle,
Before Sethe lived in 124, she was in a house called Sweet Home. From there, she knows Paul D and Halle. Halle is a man in which she had some children with but have either died or left. In the memories of Sweet Home, brutalic instances occurred. For example, Sethe had her skin on her back was used for leather and the owners took her milk. She was separated from Halle which then promoted her to leave.
In talking about this issue with Paul D, he gave her information she didn't know, the fact that Halle could see her. However, Paul D then explains he couldn't say anything because he "had a bit in [his] mouth" meaning that he couldn't talk. This prompts turmoil for Sethe, which seems to be one of many more arguments to come.
What is most interesting, is how differently Denver and Beloved influence Sethe. Beloved was a sick girl that stumbled across to 124. Denver took great care of her and nursed her back to health. However, once in great shape, Beloved explains that she has nobody and nowhere to go. Denver had always wondered about her past, however, Beloved was the one to get Sethe talking about her past. "Now she noticed something more. The questions Beloved asked: 'Where your diamonds?' 'Your woman she never fix up your hair?' And most perplexing: Tell me your earrings. How did she know?' I wonder what conflict will occur from Beloved and how she will influence others in the story. However, most of all, I wonder why she was given that name: Beloved.
Your discussion of the brutality that occured at Sweet Home highlights an important part of the book: why Sethe runs in the first place.
ReplyDeleteGood job noticing how Beloved has insights she shouldn't have. How do you think she could have such knowledge, especially given your understanding of Song of Solomon?
Make sure to proofread carefully.
It is interesting the idea of Sethe running away from Sweet Home in the first place from the physical abuse. Is she truly free from abuse though at I24? Curious to your opinion on the matter as a fellow reader of the book.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog! As you probably know from class, I'm also reading "Beloved". I agree, it is very interesting to think about the different roles that Beloved and Denver play in the development of Sethe's character. I've noticed that Baby Suggs and Paul D also influence Sethe an awful lot. Baby Suggs seems to influence how Sethe interfaces with her daughter Denver, while Paul D seems to be a controlling figure in Sethe's life. Do you have any insights on this on top of what I've said?
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