Section 2: Overview

Ghosts of the Past and Authorial Craft

Toni Morrison effectively employs the literary technique of flashback to develop characterization and theme. As we read pages 60–194 of the novel, we will examine how Morrison—through the use of flashback—develops conflicts, tension, suspense, and thematic threads in these pages, leading to the novel’s climactic events at the end of Part 1. In addition, we will read several supplemental texts to gain the perspective needed to dive more deeply into the themes of the novel.

• Lesson 1:

  We will discuss the Section Diagnostic and meet the character Beloved. We will take notes on our Character Note-Taking Tools, paying attention to the relationships between characters. Additionally, we will solidify our understanding of the text by answering text-dependent questions and evaluating Toni Morrison’s artistic craft by analyzing specific portions of the text.

• Lesson 2:

  We will continue to analyze the tone and mood created in Beloved, specifically relating to the recollection of characters’ pasts. We will also explore the concept of repression and relate it to the content and thematic development of the novel. We will evaluate Sigmund Freud’s theory on the uncanny and draw connections to Toni Morrison’s choice to include an element of hauntedness in the novel.

• Lesson 3:

  We will read the poem “Lady Button-Eyes,” which appears as a song within the novel. We will focus on comprehending the content of the poem as well as analyzing its structure and effects. We will also discuss Toni Morrison’s choice to include pieces of the poem (and omit others) in Beloved and discuss the effects of her decisions on the reader. Finally, we will identify the internal and external conflicts of each main character with a goal of recognizing how these conflicts propel characterization and thematic development of the novel.

• Lesson 4:

  We will explore the differences between flashbacks and storytelling and analyze Toni Morrison’s choice to include both in Beloved. We will specifically focus on pages 159–173, which includes a flashback through the eyes of Baby Suggs. We will use this section of the novel to discuss narrative shift and continue to analyze Morrison’s authorial craft.

• Lesson 5:

  We will explore the climax of the novel. We will read “Who is Margaret Garner” and listen to an interview with Toni Morrison in which she discusses “a mother’s compulsion to nurture” and compare it with our understanding of the rights of an enslaved mother to gain perspective on Sethe’s actions and Morrison’s development of “motherhood” as a thematic idea for Beloved.

• Lesson 6:

  We will complete the Section Diagnostic by writing a narrative vignette that includes a flashback. We will work with peers to obtain feedback necessary for revision.

• Lesson 7:

  We will review feedback on the Section Diagnostic. We will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

• Lesson 8:

  We will share the understanding we have gained through our independent reading and continue reading our texts.