Classical Backgrounds to English Literature

Beloved

Study Questions

• When Sethe realizes who Beloved is, one of her first and strongest thoughts is that she doesn’t have to “rememory” anymore (p. 182-3 and p. 191). What does Sethe mean by this, especially considering the fact that her realization actually causes a stream-of-consciousness flood of memories?

• What is the significance of Beloved’s monologue starting on p. 210? What is “a hot thing”

• Why does Beloved become hostile toward Sethe and what is the significance of the change in their relationship (from one of love and fun to one of tension, hostility, and madness)? What is the significance of Beloved’s pregnancy?

• What is the significance of Sethe’s and Denver’s “rescue” by the townswomen?

• Why is this “not a story to pass on”?