Just Let go

Reading Beloved through a New Historical lense was quite interesting. As I continue reading, I notice more and more of her oppression even after slavery. I started to notice her oppression when Beloved rose from the river and started to live with Sethe. At that point, I noticed that Sethe could not let go of her past and seek for change. She always said that she had a soft spot for Beloved due to the fact that she seems to be an older resemblances of a newborn. It was difficult for me to connect with this book because I have never been oppressed in my life nor have I been limited with opportunities.

The only connection I can make between Beloved and my life would be the extreme change this country has been through to allow people with all backgrounds to have an opportunity to live a better life. I would describe Sethe as a strong minded woman but is easily blinded by her past unable to see the opportunity she had available to her. Slavery was no longer allowed in the United States yet she decides to stay on Sweet home where there is no opportunity. She could of left for an education, a better job, she could of done so many things but she holds on to her past so tightly that it prevents her from moving on.

As stated before, It was difficult for me to connect with this book due to the fact that I have never experienced a limitation on freedom or opportunity. In addition there were many conflicting ideas that Sethe had done that I would of never have even considered. One of those decisions was to let a stranger live on Sweet Home for free and for a long period of time without even know who she really was. In addition, the most frustrating event was when I found out that Paul D was supporting himself and 3 other people (Sethe, Denver, and Beloved). I respect Paul D for stepping up to support his family but when Sethe allows Beloved to stay without really consulting Paul D was a turning point in my characterization of Sethe.

However the thought ran across my head that maybe Sethe was just trying to be similar to Baby Suggs in the way that she helped runaway slaves or freed slaves starting their new life. But as she continued to take care of Beloved this thought soon turned into the idea that Sethe was no longer a strong woman but a scared woman who is afraid of what the future holds for her so she holds onto the past.