Contradictions

Beloved by Toni Morrisson is filled with contradictions, which emphasize the complexity of slavery, freedom, death, and life. The most obvious, glaring contradiction is Beloved coming back to life after Sethe kills and buries her. The novel quickly takes on a touch of magical realism and moves beyond a work of historical fiction. Some would argue that Beloved’s presence in the house before she completely comes back can be categorized as magical realism while others who believe in ghosts and things of that sort, might not be convinced of the magical realism until the baby is resurrected as a young adult. Furthermore, Stamp Paid believes he hears the dead “roaring,” inside 124 when he goes to check the house out. He states that he “couldn’t cipher but one word, he believed he knew who spoke them,” (181).

 Mr. Garner explains that Baby Suggs name is actually Jenny Whitlow and that she should introduce herself as Jenny because “Baby” is not a proper name for a free person. Baby Suggs is technically free, but mentally and emotionally she is still held captive. She does not know where her children are, as Halle never shows up at 124. Stamp Paid tries to convince her that she has to go to the Clearing and hold the holy services because nobody else can “Call,” like she can. Baby Suggs basically says that she is punishing God for giving up on either her and her family specifically, or African-Americans in general. When Stamp Paid scolds her for those thoughts, she fires back that she does not know what right is anymore. Baby Suggs is clearly not a satisfied, liberated woman. Even though she is free, she has to carry and deliver shoes to houses, which is still physical labor. Later, Stamp Paid recalls his story of letting his master’s son have sex with his wife. His list of contradictions include, “work well; work poorly, work a little; work not at all. Make sense; make none. Sleep, wake up; like somebody, dislike others,” (185). Stamp Paid is explaining that after the rape, nothing matters. He can live his life however he wants because everything has changed.