Beloved Analysis 4

In Beloved, Toni Morrison repeatedly uses violent, chaotic imagery to describe Paul D’s reaction to sources of stress and threats. When Paul D first learns of what Sethe did when Schoolteacher returned, he had a “roaring in [his] head” (193). The word “roaring” in this passage emphasizes the shock that Paul D has experienced, while the phrase “in his head” emphasizes that this sensation is much akin to internal turmoil. Later on, Paul D realizes that “it scared him”, it being Sethe’s violent action to protect her loved ones (193). This admission of fear further categorizes Paul D’s reaction of “roaring” as a defense mechanism. If one traces Paul D’s panic attacks and what brings them on, they can all be connected towards horrific events brought about by slavery. The helplessness of Paul D during these events emphasizes the overpowering effect slavery could have on an individual, even after being freed.