Feminist Feelings

With most stories I've read or even movies, I have experienced looking at a life changing character (the protagonist) where there is always a message given for the viewers or readers to see. With this book Beloved, it brings a lot of awareness and understanding about slavery and the issue between whites and blacks. With many conflicts that are brought up by this, I believe that using the feminist lens will bring a better insight and understanding of this novel.

Toni Morrison speaks clearly and touches on the idea that the past will always be in the present and that you cannot get rid of the past because it will always be with you no matter where you go. Speaking more on the topic of slavery throughout this time period, it is safe to say that women were considered inferior to men due to the fact that men saw themselves as being more powerful than women. From the experiences Sethe has faced upon, as well as many other slaves, there are issues and many conflicts that prevent her from exceeding just like men have done.

Throughout this book so far, it is also safe to say that men had worked really hard to be where they are. They have gone through to hardships as well as women, but it is also safe to say that women have equally worked just as hard as men had. Even though during this time period, women have been enslaved for most of their lives, I want to be clear that I don’t want to say men haven’t worked hard enough, they have worked as equal as women have even though they both have different roles. Coming from a men’s perspective, I have not experienced any similarity that Sethe or even the slave owners that appear in this book. What I could connect with the most is the the strength and ability to move forward that Sethe carries. I haven’t lost a child like she did but the fact that she strives and fights for her future makes it clear to me that she will not give up on her life easily. I see myself relating to Sethe because I have personally faced many hardships throughout my life and there have been times where i personally want to give up on myself and even life. Sethe has faced so many difficulties and struggles where she basically buried her motivation or even her will to live. Similarly, we only have one live so we have to make the most out of it. We cannot let such things in life slow us down or even stop us, he have to continue on with our lives no matter what.