Beloved's Identity
Beloved begins to speak more about strange memories. What does this suggest about who she really is?
She may be Sethe's dead daughter returning as a spirit.
How does Sethe treat Beloved when she believes she is her daughter returned?
She becomes overly protective and devoted to her.
Beloved can represent the painful memories of what historical event?
Slavery.
Who eventually leaves the house to ask the community for help?
Denver.
Why does Beloved become more demanding and controlling in Part 2?
She represents the past and Sethe's guilt growing stronger.
In Part 2, Beloved says she came from a dark crowded place. What might this symbolize?
The afterlife, slavery ships, or the place where spirits wait.
What begins to happen to Sethe's health and life as she focuses more on Beloved?
She becomes exhausted, stops working, and her life starts falling apart.
Beloved growing stronger while Sethe grows weaker symbolizes what?
The past consuming the present.
What do the women from the community do when they come to Sethe's house?
They pray and sing to drive Beloved away.
Why is Denver asking the community for help an important moment?
It shows growth and breaking the family's isolation.
Beloved repeatedly says "I am Beloved and she is mine." Who is she talking about?
Sethe.
How does Denver's role change as Beloved's control over Sethe grows?
Denver becomes more independent and seeks help from the community.
Beloved's strange speech and memories connect to the experiences of enslaved people during what historical journey?
The Middle Passage.
When a man rides toward the house near the end, what does Sethe mistakenly think?
She thinks he is the slave catcher coming again.
What happens to Beloved by the end of the story?
She disappears and is gradually forgotten by the community.