The Multifaceted Relationship of Sethe and Beloved

           After the arrival of Beloved to 124, a dependent relationship between Sethe and Beloved begins to form as they live amongst each other. Morrison describes Beloved’s apparent dependence on Sethe, yet also highlights the perpetual struggle between the two in order to depict their conflicted mother-daughter relationship. Morrison points out, “Like a familiar, [Beloved] hovered” (68). The ambiguity of “familiar” as either a close friend or a demon; the use of “hovered” also holds an ambiguity as the verb evokes the image of a ghost hovering or a young child afraid to stray far from their mother. Both of these ambiguities imply that Beloved and Sethe have a multifaceted relationship. Morrison recalls   that Sethe and Beloved’s “shadows clashed and crossed on the ceiling like black swords” (68). This description directly contrasts with the previous use of shadows at the carnival to depict the potential for love and family which implies that Sethe and Beloved struggle to live together regardless of their familial bond. This description of the shadows also draws to attention the subliminal conflict between Sethe and Beloved that depicts them as complacent with each other when they are simultaneously at war internally. Morrison adds that Beloved became progressively more desperate for the return of Sethe in the afternoon. The images of Beloved standing and waiting for Sethe reinforce the growing dependence of Beloved on Sethe. Morrison possibly uses these depictions of internal distress to add commentary on the effects of slavery on the lives and well being of families.