Sethe was in a state of devastation when she fled from the slavery of Sweet Home. According to the text, “Nothing of Sethe’s was intact by the time they reached it except for the cloth that covered her hair. Below her bloody knees, there was no feeling at all; her chest was two cushions of pain” (34). This was a critical moment in Sethe’s life, as she would have surely died without assistance. Fortunately, Amy, a white woman who was also fleeing slavery, came to Sethe’s rescue. Amy provided both physical and mental support by comforting her, encouraging her to keep running and think of her child, and massaging her swollen feet. When Sethe needed help crossing the river blocking her escape, Stamp Paid appeared and offered his boat to ferry her across. Stamp Paid played an instrumental role as a helping figure in the novel.
Stamp Paid was known for his willingness to help black people in need, regardless of the circumstances. When Ella told him that Paul D was sleeping in the church basement, Stamp Paid was outraged and couldn’t believe that nobody had offered Paul D a place to stay. Both Sethe and Paul D were unprepared for the hardships they would face when they entered each other’s lives. Sethe had endured a painful life filled with turmoil, while Paul D had worked hard to survive. Nevertheless, whenever Sethe needed someone to lean on or talk to during difficult times, Paul D was always there for her. On one occasion, when Sethe felt overwhelmed, Paul D offered his support. He told her to give him her legs, and without hesitation, he hoisted her onto his back and ran down the road with her.
Sethe, who had an emotional void that required fulfillment, desired love and companionship in her life again. Consequently, when Paul D came into her life, she readily accepted him without hesitation. Sethe recognized that Paul D brought something valuable into her life – something she desired to rely upon but felt apprehensive about. In contrast, when Paul D found himself in a desperate situation, he couldn’t depend on Sethe for assistance. Paul D was imprisoned and received orders to serve his sentence on a chain gang. Instead of relying on Sethe for support, Paul D sought help from his fellow members on the chain gang. They provided support to one another both mentally and physically throughout every challenge and difficulty they faced.
These prisoners had boundless trust in each other: “they trusted the rain and the dark, yes, but mostly Hi Man and each other” (110). The small acts like singing together to pass the time that was consuming them held significant meaning and helped them cope with their circumstances. Additionally, the prisoners on the chain gang assisted one another in escaping the underground holes where they were imprisoned, ultimately helping them avoid death. When the chain gang attempted to flee from jail and found themselves in desperate need of help, the Cherokees were there to lend a hand, breaking the chain that united the convicts and providing them refuge. The foundation and main theme in Beloved is the reliance on and provision of support. Whether it was Sethe receiving assistance from Paul D or Paul D’s escape from prison alongside the chain gang, the relationship of dependence and aid is evident throughout Beloved.
