Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved by Toni Morrison

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS: Answer all of the questions in each section. Each section should have at least 275 words and include one direct quote from the novel.
SECTION 1

Give some thought to the presence of (and commentary on) white people in the novel. Why does the author make the choices she does in her presentations of whites?
SECTION 2
What judgments does Toni Morrison make on Sethe’s killing of her daughter? How does Sethe’s community judge her? How does Paul D. judge her? How does she judge herself? How do you judge her?
SECTION 3

Reflect on the detailed attention that Morrison gives to experiences that will certainly claim your attention (and will probably shock and disturb you): Paul D. on the chain gang, locked in the box; Paul’s experience of the bit; the milking of Sethe; School Teacher’s recording of the slaves’ animal characteristics; Sixo’s death. What is the effect of those experiences, on those who live them and on us as readers?
SECTION 4
When you finish the book, note your reaction to the last passage. How do you feel about the ending? Why do you suppose the book concludes (or doesn’t conclude) in this way?
SECTION 5

This is one of the most challenged books in the United States, due to its realistic depictions of many things, to include the death of an infant. This is not an imaginary tale though, insofar as things like these did happen in this country during slavery. Would you ban it? Do you think realistic depictions of the epic strife suffered by many during these times should not be discussed?

By admin in Essays on August 2, 2016