How does Beloved help Denver gain an independent identity?
Beloved is a notable literary work by Toni Morrison. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Beloved.
Answer
How does Beloved help Denver gain an independent identity? [NU: 2019, 22] ★★★
In “Beloved” (1987) by Toni Morrison (1931–2019), Denver begins as a lonely and dependent girl. She feels trapped in Sethe’s past and the haunted house. The arrival of Beloved changes Denver’s life. Through Beloved, she slowly discovers her own identity.
Friendship and Companionship: At first, Beloved becomes Denver’s friend. Denver feels happy because she is no longer alone. Morrison writes in Part Two, Ch. 21,
“Denver was seeing it now and feeling it…”.
It means Beloved’s company makes Denver feel valued and noticed.
Facing Fear and Growing Brave: Denver has always feared the outside world. But when Beloved starts consuming Sethe’s energy, Denver understands she must act. In Part Three, Ch. 25, Morrison says,
“It was on her. She would have to leave the yard…”.
Beloved’s presence pushes Denver to overcome her fear and step out.
Responsibility and Confidence: Beloved forces Denver to take responsibility. She begins protecting Sethe and finding help from the community. She learns to ask for food and work. This shows her confidence growing. Then, Denver is no longer silent; now she becomes a dependent child.
Breaking Free from the Past: Beloved represents the haunting past. By dealing with Beloved, Denver learns to move forward. She accepts her family’s history but refuses to be destroyed by it. Denver starts to dream of her own future.
In Conclusion, Beloved is both a danger and an opportunity for Denver. Through her, Denver finds courage, strength, and independence. She grows from a fearful girl into a confident young woman who can face the outside world with hope.