Toni Morrison’s Beloved centers on the characters’ struggle to keep their haunting memories of the past separate from their current lives. The novel spans multiple generations and three decades leading up to the 19th century, utilizing time as a crucial element. Instead of simply recounting or describing events, the story requires effort on the reader’s part to shield them from the jarring experiences faced by the characters. The narrative consistently shifts between different locations and between past and present. Despite this intricate chronology, it ultimately enhances the overall impact of the work. It evokes the image of a mother sharing her personal history with her children, allowing the reader to connect deeply with the emotions portrayed. Morrison demonstrates the profound influence that chronology can have on readers.
Throughout the novel, the story gradually uncovers and puts together events before and during the years of Sethe’s freedom. The past is often mentioned or jumped to in order to fill in the gaps of Sethe’s history. A few years ago, Denver witnessed a white dress next to Sethe while she prayed, and it appeared to Denver as if the dress was alive, embracing Sethe. Sethe explained to Denver that some things pass on while others stay, and she used to think it was her own rememory. However, it is not just in her rememory, but also out there in the world. References to the past are frequent and serve as an important theme in the novel. Each character’s need to acknowledge and accept their past is emphasized as a significant stage to move forward.
The author focuses on various characters, including Sethe, Denver, Paul D, Beloved, Baby Suggs, and Stamp Paid, from different time periods to present their perspectives on the events of the novel. Baby Suggs, who is Sethe’s mother, is a character from the past. Going back in time reveals her horror after the murder of her grandchild. Sethe had just tried to kill all her children but only succeeded in killing one. Suggs bathes them, cleansing their wounds while talking to God. “Baby Suggs had brought the boys inside and was washing their heads, rubbing their hands, lifting their eyelids, whispering, ‘I apologize, I apologize,’ the whole time.” (Pg. 152) The murder of Sethe’s child, presumed to be Beloved, plays a significant role in the novel. Only by revisiting past events can readers truly understand the emotions experienced by all the characters.
Throughout the story, Morrison periodically introduces new information about the past. While Sethe is busy styling Denver’s hair, Beloved inquires about Sethe’s mother. Sethe reveals that she scarcely had the opportunity to see her own mother and proceeds to recount Nan’s narrative. Nan, a fellow enslaved woman who was on the same ship as Sethe’s mother, intervened when her mother was hanged. Nan informs her, “She threw them all away but you. The one from the crew she threw away on the island. The others from more whites she also threw away… You she gave the name of the black man… I am telling you, small girl Sethe.” (Pg. 62) Actions are frequently explained by historical circumstances. In this specific instance, Sethe’s choice to take her daughter’s life can be traced back to her mother’s act of discarding her biracial children. One mother acted out of animosity towards white men, while the other acted out of love for her own offspring.
The conclusion of the novel sees Beloved leaving and returning to the almost unchanged state of affairs that were present when Paul D first arrived. In a touching moment, he reminds her that they have witnessed more of the past than anyone else and expresses a longing for some kind of future. This highlights Beloved’s strong connection to the concept of “yesterday,” and emphasizes how manipulating chronology in the narrative enhances understanding of the story. (Pg. 273)
