Thematic Evaluation

Background Information

Beloved Discussion Forum

Annotated Bibliography

Other Interesting Links

One  theme that can be seen in Beloved is the idea that millions of people died when they were kidnapped from Africa, died when they were transported across the Middle Passage, and died in slavery.  Those unnamed millions must be remembered.  Their story must be told.  Cora Agatucci said, "You're not going to buy your tomorrow by forgetting your past" (ENG339 Lecture, 5/17/2002).  In our exploration of Beloved, we are going to use this theme as our focus.

In addition, Harold Bloom writes, "The cultural importance of Toni Morrison's most popular novel, Beloved (1987) hardly can be overstressed.  I have just reread it, after a decade, in a paperback printing numbered 41, and in time doubtless there will be hundreds of reprintings."

In this online Study Guide to Beloved we include the following literary components; Scene and Setting, Characters, Symbolism & Images, and Key Passages.  We hope that as you explore this online study guide you find our ideas helpful.  Another useful resource, which includes a synopsis of Beloved, a list of themes and issues, and possible essay topics, can be accessed here: