Beloved

Does a generation represent its people, or do people represent their generation? I would argue that it isn't just one or the other but, rather, a sort of mutual relationship between the two. In Beloved, however, Toni Morrison emphasizes the latter in order to illustrate true freedom.

In the novel, Beloved is born into slavery while Denver is born "free." As a result, Beloved represents a generation of slavery while Denver represents one of newly-found freedom. For the majority of the novel, both Beloved and Denver (as well as the other characters) struggle with issues of possession, the past, and identity. Beloved views herself as linked to Sethe and tries to claim/possess Sethe completely. She also cannot forgive Sethe and seek vengeance for her murder. Meanwhile, Denver struggles with being an individual and has also dealt with fear for the majority of her life.

Unlike Beloved, however, Denver eventually becomes a strong, independent woman after she finally leaves 124 by herself for the first time in years. Reflective of her generation, Beloved remains captive to her past and almost completely loses her identity. Denver represents her generation of new, achieved freedom by struggling but ultimately reaching independence.