Responding and Reflecting: The Repercussions of Slave Tattoos

After reading Beloved through the feminist lens, I have consistently noticed the idea of slavery and the impacts it has on women slaves. Sethe feels shunned by society because she, herself, has been living a dreadful life yearning for freedom. As the only female slave on the plantation of “Sweet Home”, the actions made against her have left her with awful memories and most importantly, an unforgettable past that she cannot overcome. Various actions like the ones of the white boys, the loss of her children, and the betrayal from society have made it hard for Sethe to move forward.

Sethe has a scar on her back resembling a “chokecherry tree”. The tree is a symbol of her own remorse that is continuing to grow. Trees are usually used to show life and joy, however, the tree symbolizes the opposite, capturing all the horrific memories when she was once a slave. Sethe is internally and externally wounded. She perfectly knows it. When Sethe takes Denver and Beloved ice skating, due to their inexperience on ice, Sethe, Denver, and Beloved collapse to the floor, “but nobody saw them falling” (205). They begin to laugh, but later Sethe’s tears of laughter turn into mournful tears. During the 1800’s, women in general were portrayed as fragile, emotional, and sensitive to their feelings. This perception may still exist today, but the repercussions women slaves had to cope with were traumatizing.

In the novel, Sethe is depicted as a very strong woman, but it has not always been easy for her. Gender roles are a key aspect since all slaves had different and unique experiences. Simple things like taking food home from the restaurant where Sethe works, terrifies her. Why? Because she remembers Schoolteacher torturing her good old pal, Sixo, for stealing one of Sweet Home’s pigs. For Sethe, accepting her past has been a sentimental experience. Similar to a tattoo, it will always be permanent on one’s body wherever they go. Sethe’s chokecherry tree “tattoo”, is a reminder of her life. Being a slave has scarred Sethe, and can never be removed. Her experience is stuck in her conscious, not allowing her to live the life she fully desires too.