Beloved is a deep and influential novel written by Toni Morrison. She not only describes the terrible physiological and psychological effects of slavery but also draws the public’s attention to this serious problem. Through its themes or the detailed, heartfelt experiences of its characters, Beloved is both heavy and thought-provoking. Although Toni Morrison creates a morose and dark background and tone, she delivers the positive message that the past should not impede the present. More specifically, even if the suffering Blacks experienced from slavery caused lasting trauma, Blacks can continue to love and support each other.

Sethe, one of the main characters, is traumatized by a terrible pregnancy experience during her escape from Sweet Home and slavery. Uncomfortable and forced to deliver her baby in a rough and harsh environment while on the run, Sethe had to deal with “river water, seeping through any hole it chose.” With no choice but to give birth on a boat and recover immediately after, Sethe becomes very reluctant to mention her history. This creates a barrier between her and her daughter Denver, who becomes insecure from the distance. This can be seen through the change in Denver’s behavior after Paul D arrives at 124 House: “The girl [Denver] leaned forward and began to cry. ‘What is the matter with you? I never knew you to behave this way.’” From Sethe’s surprise at Denver’s change, it is suggested that Denver used to be a well-behaved girl. However, she cries, possibly to draw her mother’s attention. Denver’s inner thoughts give more direct information about her feelings: “Now her mother was upstairs with the man who had forgotten rid of the only other company she had.” Denver feels threatened by Paul D and is lonely because she perceives the loss of her mother.

Nonetheless, Sethe and Denver find support and love in each other. Denver prevents Sethe from being hurt by the ghost: “‘… That’s my heart. I’m proud of that girl. She was the first one to wrestle her mother down. Before anybody knew what the devil was going on.’” Despite the distance caused by Sethe’s silence about her history, Denver doesn’t hesitate to protect her mother. Additionally, Denver “heard about an afternoon job at the shirt factory…., she could put away something and help her mother too.” Denver becomes a responsible person who wants to support her mother. Denver’s feeling is reciprocated as well: Sethe also loves Denver much although she does not express it much. “‘I got a tree on my back and a haint in my house, and nothing in between but the daughter I am holding in my arms. No more running-from nothing.” The tree on Sethe’s back is a scar caused by White men in Sweet Home. The haint is her dead daughter. Despite these terrible experiences that always haunt Sethe, she treasures her daughter as the only person she has in her life Sethe rejects Paul D's offer to leave 124 House. This shows Sethe cherishes Denver and loves her much more than others. Therefore, although there are some gaps between mother and daughter, they still take care of each other, support each other, and cherish each other.

Baby Suggs is another example of how Blacks continued to love and support each other despite the tragedies they experience from slavery. Halle and his mother Baby Suggs are a very close pair of mother and son: “a twenty-year-old man [Halle] so in love with his mother he gave up five years of Sabbaths just to see her sit down for a change was a serious recommendation.” Unfortunately, Baby Suggs witnesses her beloved son’s sufferings at Sweet Home: “Saw him greased and flat-eyed as a fish. Maybe schoolteacher shot after him, shot at his feet. Maybe Hallen got in the barn, hid there and got locked in with the rest of schoolteacher’s stock.” Halle eventually disappears to help Baby Suggs escape from Sweet Home. Despite seeing her son struggle and eventually losing him, Baby Suggs tries her best to remain positive. She also cheers up others in her surroundings. For instance, she gives inspiring and exciting speeches about how even though White men do not care about slaves, Black people should love themselves. She helps Black people release their pent-up emotions and spiritually encourages them. This creates a sense of community among the Black people around 124 House.

In conclusion, the Black characters in the book all have their traumas from slavery, but they still find ways to continue to love. They support each other and comfort each other, which is a blessing in misfortune. Readers are saddened by the characters’ tragic experiences and are touched by the warmth between them. Denver, the daughter, becomes a better self for her mother, and Baby Suggs helps more people despite the loss of her son. The effects of slavery are profound. Thus, it is even more touching and heartbreaking that Black people continue to look forward with optimism. Always trying to love, they deserve to be beloved.