Questions and Answers
What is described by the phrase 'Ten minutes for seven letters. With another ten could she have gotten 'Dearly' too?'
Who is described as a twenty-year-old man who gave up five years of Sabbaths to see his mother?
Halle
Who made the women cry when he walked into a house?
Paul D
Who said, 'A man ain't nothing bus a man, But a son? Well now, that's somebody.'?
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Who is associated with the phrase 'Boston. Get me some velvet?'
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What does Beloved ask when she says, 'Tell me your diamonds.'?
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Who is referred to as the black man in connection to small girl Sethe?
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What did Paul D dislike because it was shining?
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Who was broken because he had butter all over his face?
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Who said, 'He would keep the rest where it belonged: in that tobacco tin buried in his chest where a red heart used to be.'?
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Who believes that 'Those white things have taken all I had or dreamed, and broke my heartstrings too.'?
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Who heard close thunder crawling up the stairs for two years?
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Who believed in the responsibility of knowing what was enough and what was too much?
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Who sang love songs to Mr. Death and smashed his head?
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Who fed the berry to three-week-old Denver, growing it into a feast for ninety people?
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Who said, 'You just can't mishandle creatures and expect success.'?
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Who said, 'That ain't her mouth.'?
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Who took and put her babies where they'd be safe?
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Who said, 'You got two feet, Sethe, not four'?
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Who stated 'Nobody knows that song but me and my children.'?
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Who instructed to put human characteristics on the left and animal ones on the right?
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Who stated 'Beloved, she my daughter. Beloved is my sister.'?
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Who recognized the men Sixo and Halle regardless of Garner’s opinion?
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What does 'Seven-O! Seven-O!' refer to?
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Who had to step off the edge of the world and die?
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What word inaugurated Denver's life in the world as a woman?
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Who mentioned that a little communication between the two worlds was acceptable but called this an invasion?
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Who sarcastically questioned, 'Every time a white man come to the door she got to kill somebody?'?
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Who said, 'She is a friend of my mind. She gather me, man.'?
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Who stated, 'We got more yesterday than anybody. We need some kind of tomorrow.'?
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What is not a story to pass on according to Morrison?
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What year range corresponds to the Civil War?
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What year did Halle die?
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What year range is associated with 'Beloved at 124'?
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What year range corresponds to World War II?
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What year range corresponds to World War I?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Their Insights
- Sethe reflects on the struggle of motherhood and memories of her past, illustrating the emotional weight of her experiences.
- Halle demonstrates deep devotion to his mother, sacrificing years to spend time with her, highlighting themes of love and sacrifice.
- Paul D presents a complex personality, affecting women emotionally and dealing with his own scars from the past, underscoring human vulnerability.
- Baby Suggs emphasizes the importance of identity and the value placed on mothers and sons, suggesting deeper social commentary on masculinity.
- Amy Denver is linked to the idea of comfort and material desires, showcasing a blend of simplicity and desire for betterment.
Themes and Symbolism
- Beloved represents the haunting memories of slavery and familial bonds, laden with both desire and danger.
- Nan shares the depth of maternal connections while hinting at loss and tragedy in Sethe's life, reinforcing themes of history and memory.
- Schoolteacher embodies the oppressive nature of the slave system, focusing on dehumanization and the manipulation of identity.
- Stamp Paid symbolizes the struggle for survival and the cultural implications of communal survival against oppression.
Historical Context
- Civil War (1861-1865) marks a significant era in American history, providing a backdrop for the struggles around slavery and freedom.
- Halle Dies (1855) indicates the loss that African American families faced, impacting character motivations and societal roles.
- Beloved at 124 (1873-1874) captures a critical moment in the character's lives, representing the aftermath of slavery’s trauma.
- World War I (1914-1918) & II (1939-1945) contexts illustrate the ongoing struggle for identity and the effects of war on society.
Memorable Quotes
- “You are your best thing, Sethe.” - underscores themes of self-worth and identity.
- “Nobody knows that song but me and my children.” - signifies the unique bond between mothers and their offspring, and the preservation of cultural identity.
- "This is not a story to pass on." - challenges the notion of legacy and the burdens of history.
Additional Reflections
- The notion of creatures being mishandled speaks to the broader theme of respect and the consequences of neglect in relationships.
- The symbolic significance of “keeping emotions in a tobacco tin” reflects the personal struggle of holding onto pain while trying to move forward.
- The character of Ella showcases an understanding of boundaries between worlds, representing the conflict between healing and invasion from past traumas.
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Description
This quiz features flashcards with notable quotes and definitions from Toni Morrison's 'Beloved'. Test your knowledge on key characters and their poignant moments throughout the novel. Perfect for literature students and fans of Morrison's impactful storytelling.
