Part 3: Beloved

After finishing the whole book, reflect on one of the following questions and how it relates to the overall meaning of the book. As usual, respond in 1-2 paragraphs, and use at least 2 quotes to support your answer.

• Consider one character who has grown or changed over Part 3. Specifically, how have they changed, and how does it affect our understanding of the book as a whole?
• What was Beloved and what happened to her? Consider both when she disappears and also the final chapter of the book ("disremembered and unaccounted for"). Who does she represent?
• Look at Sethe and Paul D together. Especially focusing on this last part of the book (pg. 310-322) how and why are they compatible? How do they see each other, and how does this relate to our understanding of the book as a whole?

Please read other people's answers and challenge them. Also, make sure to always put something new and original. If you need to, write your response, then read other people's, then revise yours to make it new and original.

Beloved: Ch. 2-5 (pg. 24-67)

In Ch. 2-5, choose one of the following questions to respond to in 1-2 paragraphs + one quote:

-What are the histories that are too heavy a burden for Sethe and Paul D to carry? In what way is the past, present and future intertwined for them?

-Who is the woman who emerges fully dressed from the water and calls herself Beloved? What is her plan?

-What is the significance of storytelling in the book so far? Specifically for the characters of Beloved, Sethe and Denver, in what way is it important?

Answer the question to the best of your ability, and showing what you know about chapters 2-5 (pages 24-67).

Beloved: Chapter 1

There is a lot going on in this chapter. We are simultaneously meeting the characters and learning about the conflict of the baby ghost in 124 Bluestone Road.

For this blog choose a quote and write two full paragraphs addressing either:

-how the narrative structure is related to the content (easier than it sounds)

-one specific character (Sethe, Paul D, Denver, baby ghost) and what's going on with them so far

Please read each others blogs! Be prepared to discuss your blog entry on Friday!

Gurov's transformation?

Gurov, towards the end of the story, has changed from the beginning:
"He had two lives: one, open, seen and known by all who cared to know, full of relative truth and relative falsehood, exactly like the lives of his friends and acquaintances; and another life running its course in secret. And through some strange, perhaps accidental, conjuction of circumstances, everything that was essential, of interest and of value to him, everything in which he was sincere and did not deceive himself, everything that made the kernel of his life, was hidden from other people; and all that was false in him, the sheath in which he hid himself to conceal the truth-- such, for instance, as his workin the bank, his discussions at the club, his "lower race," his presence with is wife at anniversary festivities-- all that was open." (pg. 5 of the handout)

In 1-2 paragraphs, respond to the follow questions:
Why has Gurov undergone this change and ultimately what does it mean for him? What does the ending mean, for him and Anna S?

Choose 1-2 quotes to incorporate into your response.