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Questions and Answers
What is Sethe's main motive according to the stream of consciousness in chapter 20?
What does Sethe mean by saying, 'I'll tend her as no mother has ever tended to a child before'?
She feels the need to be the best mother possible to earn Beloved.
What does the phrase 'I couldn't lay down anywhere back then' suggest?
It suggests that Beloved's death caused her insomnia.
'Now I can look at things again because she is here too to _____ them.'
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What does the adverb 'now' indicate in Sethe's perspective on life?
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Sethe feels that her children have become the center of her world.
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What does Sethe's statement about blaming Paul D indicate?
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In chapter 20, what does Sethe express about her childhood experience with Nan?
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What does the repetition of 'smile' suggest about Sethe's mother's life?
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How is water imagery linked to Sethe's experience of motherhood?
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What does Sethe mean by 'I didn't have time to explain before because it had to be done quick'?
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Study Notes
Quotes and Analysis from Chapter 20 of Beloved
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Sethe's Motivation
The quote illustrates Sethe's profound love and protective instinct for her daughter, emphasizing maternal devotion over feelings of guilt and murder. -
Desire to Be an Ideal Mother
Sethe expresses a commitment to nurturing Beloved, indicating her determination to provide an unparalleled care as a form of atonement for past decisions. -
Insomnia and Deep Sleep
Suggests that Beloved's traumatic death has caused lasting psychological effects on Sethe, with the simile of drowning indicating both escape and a connection to the horrors experienced by slaves. -
Engagement with Life
The word "now" reflects Sethe's evolving perspective as she begins to engage with life again, signifying a shift from shame to a willingness to embrace joy within the confines of her home. -
Children as Her Whole Being
Sethe’s statement underscores her identity being intertwined with her children. The personal pronouns emphasize her complete devotion and dependence on them for meaning in life. -
Blame and Naivety
Sethe's tendency to deflect responsibility onto Paul D reveals her struggle to confront her own past choices and shortcomings, highlighting themes of denial and self-preservation. -
Overextended Care
The mention of Nan caring for both white children and her suggests a legacy of neglect and the longing to ensure her own children feel valued and cherished amidst a backdrop of servitude. -
Symbolism of Smiling
Sethe's reflection on her mother’s lack of freedom to express true happiness conveys the emotional toll of slavery, where forced smiles contradict genuine joy, impacting her ability to nurture her own children. -
Water Imagery and Rebirth
The imagery linked to water signifies both the strength of motherhood and the notion of rebirth, alluding to the missed connection between Sethe and Beloved at the moment of birth. -
Urgency of Actions
The repetition of "quick" alongside the personal pronoun emphasizes Sethe's immediate need to protect her child from the dangers of enslavement, revealing the intense pressure she felt during the traumatic event of Beloved's death.
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Description
Explore the powerful themes and quotes from Chapter 20 of 'Beloved' using stream of consciousness techniques. This quiz provides insightful analysis of Sethe's complex motherly love and the implications of her actions. Delve into the intricate emotional landscapes shaped by Toni Morrison's compelling narrative.
