Beloved's Dependence Essay

February 19, 2009

In Toni Morrisons Beloved, there is a recurring theme of parasitic relationships amongst the women in the novel. Sethe, Denver and Beloved depend on each other not only economically, but also emotionally. Denver depends on Beloved for companionship while Beloved depends on Sethe and Denver for affection and attention like a toddler. Throughout the novel, Sethe struggles with her tendency to put her childrens needs over her own to the point that she does not acknowledge when she has been afflicted. It is as if she depends on her children to give her life meaning, and cannot handle not being able to take care of them. By the end of Beloved, Denver has begun to gain independence, but Beloved and Sethe have come to depend on her. The weight of supporting the family seems to be passed from woman to woman throughout the novel.

Denver spent most of her life inside 124 Bluestone Road. Exiled by her community because of the spirits haunting the house, Denver spent most of her time alone as well. The stranger that appeared on her doorstep was an answered prayer for a lonely young adult. Denver enjoys having someone to share her stories with that is eager to hear them, and revels in catering to Beloveds interests. Denver took full advantage of having a companion, even when Beloveds presence compromises her relationship with Sethe.

Beloved is given the characteristics of the baby she was when she died, though she was incarnated as an adult. Beloved requires constant attention and coddling, which is freely given by Sethe and Denver. She wants to have all of Sethes attention, as a toddler feels that the world centers on them, and looks to Denver for entertainment in the form of stories and conversation. Sethe and Denver seem to enjoy Beloveds presence, elated that they have someone to take care of, and excited that someone from outside 124 was willing to commune with them, regardless of where she may have come from.

A striking point in the novel was the conversation between Sethe and Paul D. about Sethes rape by Schoolteachers nephews. Sethes main concern was not the violation of her body, but that the boys had taken the milk that she needed to nurse her child. Sethe also faces jail because she kills her daughter as a means of keeping her from being sold into slavery. She compulsively supports her children, giving Denver her full attention after Howard and Buglar leave, and spending her last to entertain Beloved with expensive items at the end of the novel.

At the end of Part III, Sethe and Beloved have come to depend on Denver. Sethe has left her job at Sawyers restaurant, and Beloved, seemingly pregnant, is consuming more food, and doing less to contribute to the family. The two women seem to slowly go insane as Denver tries to break away from all that is going on at 124. She seeks employment, and begins to assimilate herself into the outside world, still supporting her mother and sister, but making a name and life for herself. By the very end, Denver has made friends and has begun to show interest in a young man. While her family still depends on her, she is no longer as dependent on them.

The cycle of dependent behavior in Beloved is seen in the actions of Sethe, Denver and Beloved. The novel begins with dependence on the two daughters on their mother, and ends with Beloved and Sethe depending on Denver for their livelihood. The issue of dependency is only resolved when Beloved leaves and the house is returned to order. Dependency in Beloved is an exaggerated display of they type of dependency present in many families. Everyone depends on the matriarch or patriarch until they are unable to care for everyone, then the weight is passed down to another family member. In Beloved, however, the mother and two sisters depend on each other equally, whether it be physically or emotionally.