Beloved 1

Beloved is presented in three parts. Today we’ll explore Part I, the longest. Please respond to both prompts.

1. Morrison’s novel is set in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Research one of the following historical topics; offer a brief summary of its essential features; and explain its relevance for Beloved:

   • Fugitive Slave Clause

   • Reconstruction

   • Constitutional Amendments XIII-XV (13-15)

2. Choosing one of the following characters (or character groupings), summarize their role in the story and offer some comments about what you find most interesting or striking about them.

   • Denver

   • Paul D

   • Baby Suggs

   • Halle

   • Schoolteacher

   • Mr. and Mrs. Garner

   • Mr. and Miss Bodwin

   • Paul A, Paul F, and Sixo

   I have deliberately left out Sethe and the mysterious character Beloved, the two major characters.

©Robert Whalen, 2026