Dearly Beloved

Symbolism and Sexuality in Beloved

* If Beloved is symbolic of slavery and the suffering entailed in it, what is happening when the community expel / exorcise her? And why is she still there at the end of the book? Why does Morrison write that "This is not a story to pass on"?

* Sexuality is basically only who people have sex with and with what purpose. How is it represented in Beloved? Consider: Paul D, Sethe, Baby Suggs and Beloved, as well as Sixo and the 30 Mile Woman. Bonus points for anything you can make sense of concerning the turtles and calves. I find the representation of Beloved as reminding Paul D of a calf a bit startling. Any thoughts?

Off you go now and make your first mind map on sexuality; bring in wider reading and how it is represented in that also.

COURSEWORK
Most of you have caught the language and tone very well; ensure that you have something to say in your beautiful prose. Consider what you might be saying in an essay; also consider that any piece of writing has to say something. If it's a bit missed out of the book, it must say something that adds to it.