Denver's unhealthy devotion to Beloved is not a manifestation of her loneliness. Rather it turns out that Denver is desperately trying to protect Beloved from Sethe, whom she believes is insane. It's also revealed that Howard and Buglar was not run out of the house by Beloved's ghost but ran away to escape Sethe's "wrath." Denver herself is so traumatized after finding out the truth that she loses her hearing for several years. Since then she has lived in fear of Sethe, only staying with her for Beloved. Apparently, Sethe has elected not to explain her perspective to her children but rather let them find out only the surface of her action.
We also learn that Denver's animosity toward Paul D is not from jealousy and what seemed like an attachment to Sethe. Denver was afraid that Paul D would force Beloved's spirit out of the house. She later even wishes for him to run off with Sethe, leaving Denver and herself to wait for their father.
Is anyone else anticipating a Halle appearance?
Is anyone else anticipating a Halle appearance?
I find it interesting that while we were assuming that Sethe was the real danger, it turns out that Beloved ends up leeching everything good out of Sethe's life instead. She starts off by eating up all the food in the house, and taking Sethe's portions, too. As she grows, Sethe seems to shrink in her presence, and it is soon apparent that Beloved has taken control of the household. At least, control over Sethe. Contrastingly, we see Denver blossom as her mother shrivels up, a peculiar twist on Morrison's part. She has finally grown into the young woman she was meant to be, and it is clear that she has plans for the future. I have to say that I was also anticipating a Halle appearance, although upon finishing the book I see that he's no longer part of the picture anymore.
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