Explore the ways in which Paul D
Explore the ways in which Paul D’s Struggle with identity as a free man is presented in ‘Beloved’?
In the highly acclaimed novel ‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison, there are a range of themes that she explores throughout the novel, but the most predominant theme is the effects of slavery on the identity of the major characters. In this case Paul D. Throughout the novel, Paul D struggles to identify himself as society’s ideal man due to the terrible things that he had to endure while at Sweet Home. Morrison also explores how Paul D questions his masculinity, which supports the idea that society subjugates people into to certain roles as Paul D feels pressured to be the normal and stereotypical man. His experience at Sweet Home similarly to other characters like Sethe had an unpleasant impact on his life, as it has caused him to always travel alone and be unable to trust anyone. Through the character of Paul D, Morrison shows that we should learn to overcome our past and not let it consume our lives but let it shape and benefit our lives today. The character of Paul D shows readers that even If they experience difficult times they should remain strong.
Firstly, Paul D Struggles to identify himself as a free man due to the many emasculating things he endured during his time at Sweet Home, which has led him to become traumatised as he recalls the events which occurred. This is demonstrated when Paul D recalls the times when he felt he was a part of the Chain gang as he describes his ordeal when he was forced to fellate one of the guards as it states “Each man bent and waited” 1. This was extremely dehumanising and emasculating for Paul D as it is an act which is typically associated with women. The word “waited” suggests that the slaves were forced against their will to partake in the sexual act which reiterates how degrading it must have to them. Furthermore, readers are shown the patronising and cruel nature of the guards as they shout “Hungry Nigger?” 2 which emphasises
In the highly acclaimed novel ‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison, there are a range of themes that she explores throughout the novel, but the most predominant theme is the effects of slavery on the identity of the major characters. In this case Paul D. Throughout the novel, Paul D struggles to identify himself as society’s ideal man due to the terrible things that he had to endure while at Sweet Home. Morrison also explores how Paul D questions his masculinity, which supports the idea that society subjugates people into to certain roles as Paul D feels pressured to be the normal and stereotypical man. His experience at Sweet Home similarly to other characters like Sethe had an unpleasant impact on his life, as it has caused him to always travel alone and be unable to trust anyone. Through the character of Paul D, Morrison shows that we should learn to overcome our past and not let it consume our lives but let it shape and benefit our lives today. The character of Paul D shows readers that even If they experience difficult times they should remain strong.
Firstly, Paul D Struggles to identify himself as a free man due to the many emasculating things he endured during his time at Sweet Home, which has led him to become traumatised as he recalls the events which occurred. This is demonstrated when Paul D recalls the times when he felt he was a part of the Chain gang as he describes his ordeal when he was forced to fellate one of the guards as it states “Each man bent and waited” 1. This was extremely dehumanising and emasculating for Paul D as it is an act which is typically associated with women. The word “waited” suggests that the slaves were forced against their will to partake in the sexual act which reiterates how degrading it must have to them. Furthermore, readers are shown the patronising and cruel nature of the guards as they shout “Hungry Nigger?” 2 which emphasises