Comparison of Beloved by Toni Morrison and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

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IB Comparative World Literature

From a literal viewpoint, the novels Beloved by Toni Morrison and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad have no correlation on the grounds that they feature entirely different settings, timeframes, character types, and style.  However, when the overall themes and messages of both books are examined, the reader is able to see that both stories make strong statements about societies plagued by racism. In Morrison’s novel, Beloved, Denver’s character undergoes significant personality changes that vary with the progression of the plot and especially with Beloved’s presence in 124; these changes mirror the emotional and psychological journey of the character Marlow from Heart of Darkness.  Both of these evolving characterizations reflect the authors’ intents to display the effect of racism and societal corruption on individuals.  

Throughout Beloved, the relationships between the key characters are in a constant state of motion and fluidity, depending on the presence of the most influential character, Beloved. In particular, the relationships involving the character Beloved are often especially dynamic, and Beloved’s presence in the lives of several characters frequently leaves them with significant emotional changes. Specifically, the cycle of Denver’s maturity throughout the plot relates strongly to the power that Beloved had over her at any particular time. Early in the novel, Denver tends to be characterized as a rude, selfish girl.  When Paul D comes to 124 and causes with the baby’s spirit to temporarily leave the house, Denver responds to him with sarcasm and immaturity, giving the house a tense atmosphere:  “Now her mother was upstairs with the man who had gotten rid of the only company she had.  Denver dipped a bit of bread into the jelly.  Slowly, methodically, miserably she ate it,” (20).  Throughout her teenage years, Denver had become so dependent upon the “camaraderie” that the ghost had provided, and when the spirit left, she felt lost and alone.  This misery lasts until the moment Beloved, the baby’s materialized spirit, arrived at 124.  

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The majority of the relationship between Beloved and Denver throughout the remainder of the book features mainly Denver’s adoration and fascination with Beloved.  Once again, Denver is captivated by Beloved, and would gladly do anything for her.  Denver’s devotion continues to the point of Denver acting as the caretaker for the demanding Beloved and the weakening Sethe:                                                               

“Denver served them both. Washing, cooking, forcing, cajoling her mother to eat a little now ...

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