At the end of chapter 5, Paul D believes that Beloved isn't sick. He claims that he saw Beloved pick up the rocking chair with one hand. When Denver was asked if she saw Beloved picking up the rocking chair, she states, "I didn't see no such thing" (67). Do you believe Denver is trying to protect Beloved? Why is Denver trying to make Paul look like a liar?

Melissa



In Chapter 6 of Beloved, Morrison writes "Sethe was licked, tasted and eaten by Beloved's eyes (68)" and continues to describe Beloved devotion and interest to Sethe. How come Beloved is more connected to Sethe even though it was Denver who cared and nurtured her back to health?

Addie



Chapter 5 begins with "a fully dressed woman [walking] out of the water...and [leaning] against a mulberry tree" (Morrison 60). In many pieces of literature water symbolizes baptism and the rebirth of a new identity for a character. Do you think Beloved walking out of the water can be seen as an example of baptism or rebirth? Why or why not?

Caroline




"good lace at the throat, and a rich woman's hat" Why does Beloved have such high class clothes? Where is she from?

JAred




"Paul D asks Sethe, you just gonna feed her? From now on? Paul D, feeling ungenerous, and surprised by it, heard the irritability in his voice" (67). Paul D is very unwelcoming to the guest despite the fact that only a short time ago he was in a similar position. Is Paul D jealous? Is he threatened be the new arrival to the house?

Luke


During chapters 5 and 6 the character of Beloved is introduced, and it appears to be that she is the manifestation of the ghost that haunts 124, the ghost of Sethe's lost daughter Beloved. The girl effects each of the three main characters in different ways, however the common fact is that her presence has a great impact on each of them individually, on a personal level, "Denver tended to her, watched her sound sleep, listened to her breathing... out of love" --"Paul D feeling ungenerous and surprised by it, heard the irritability in his voice...Something funny bout that gal"-- "But as she began telling Beloved about the earrings she found herself wanting to, even liking it." 
What is Beloved's purpose? Her plan? Why come now of all times in physical/human form?

Nick

HW: Read and annotate Chapter 8