Yifan Liu

This paper delves into the themes of identity crisis and reconstruction in Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved". Through an in-depth analysis of the characters and their struggles, the paper examines the profound impacts of slavery and colonialism on individual and collective identities. The paper explores how the main characters, Sethe, Paul D, and Denver, grapple with their identities in the aftermath of slavery, influenced by the community's reactions and their own memories and traumas. Furthermore, the paper discusses how Morrison utilizes symbolic themes and magical realism to reconstruct history, thereby challenging traditional narratives. This approach offers a fresh perspective on the legacy of slavery. The paper concludes by reflecting on the significance of "Beloved" in addressing identity issues within a broader socio-historical context.

"Beloved"; identity crisis; reconstruction

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