Dilene

Dilene

October 9,2011

Setting of __Beloved__ Assignment

__Beloved__ is set in Cincinnati Ohio at 124 Bluestone Road and the flashbacks are from the horrible experiences that the characters went through as slaves, which took place in Sweet Home Kentucky. The novel took place after the Civil war in the States, which, is also known as the Panic of 1873. The American economy, as a consequence of the war had entered into a crisis, which was also triggered by a series of economic setbacks such as the Black Friday panic of 1869, Chicago fire of 1871, the outbreak of equine influenza in 1872 and demonetization of silver in 1873. After the civil war in the States, which is also around the same time Europe was trying to recover from the “Long Depression” with Bismarck’s help, there was a spread of protectionist ideas spread throughout the world. People supported conservative parties to help reconstruct their countries. The fact that the country is entering a period of conservatism helps the reader understand why for example Mr. and Mrs. Garner are still very racist even though in the story they’re seen as the “good white people”. This is mainly shown when Mr. Garner asks Baby Suggs “You got married, Jenny? I didn’t know it.” Although for his time he is quite “open minded” and accepting because he’s interacting with a black slave but for us that is seen as extremely rude because he cannot understand how a black slave could establish a relationship never mind get married.

The story is also set after the abolishment of slavery in the States. In other words, the story takes place in the aftermath of slavery, which explains why the characters in the story still have all the experiences and all the suffering they endured still vivid in their minds. It also helps explain why the characters in __Beloved__, such as Sethe, are still very traumatized and basically going through post-traumatic stress, which is also called in their case post-traumatic slavery disorder. An example of this disorder is shown after Paul D and Beloved have sex, he starts saying and then yelling “Red Heart” over and over again. This shows how distraught he is and how uncontrolled he’s become. He says it so loud that he wakes Denver up. He says this to show that his “tobacco tin” has opened up but the fact that he’s yelling it shows that it’s a painful experience. This indicates that since he has endured so many traumas he’s afraid of living emotionally or letting his heart love, which psychologically is not normal. Another example is Sethe’s ability to see her child’s ghost. This also shows the severity of her post-traumatic stress.

Margaret Garner, who in 1851, killed her children so they wouldn’t have to endure slavery, inspired Toni Morrison herself. This event, not only showcases the fear hate and trauma in those times, but also the extent of a mother’s love, which is an important theme, is Beloved. Knowing of the aftermath of slavery and the event of Margaret Garner helps the reader get an insight on why Sethe becomes so consumed with Beloved and why she killed her child.

Sept 2011

-The most interesting thing so far was learning about the IB learner profile and getting tips on how to make a good presentations. -In the UWC values,I agree most with the points of "celebration of differences","personal responsibility and integrity" and "compassion and service".I also agreed most with the point of being caring in the IB learner profile. -I don't particularily strongly disagree with the IB mission statement but I find it focuses too much on excellence through academics rather than on reaching the high standards that they talk about through not only academics but other aspects of life and learning. Although in the IB learner profile it does elaborate on how they want,not only students but all those taking part in the IB program, to achieve their goals.

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