Sethe and Denver

In “Beloved,” Sethe and Denver's relationship is somewhat confusing. In the beginning of the book, Sethe seems to not think much of Denver, despite the fact that she is at home all day with her mother as she does not go to school. She pays more attention to the ghost than to Denver.

Denver’s life on the other hand sometimes revolves around her mother’s, desperate for her attention, and sometimes is secluded, such as when she hides in the boxwood bushes. 

Additionally, when Paul D arrives, Denver feels especially ignored. She breaks down when she recognizes that Paul D could take away any attention she gets at home, which is the only attention she gets given the rest of the town avoids the residents of the haunted house. This is furthered by Beloved’s appearance. However, in Beloved’s case, Denver couldn't care less about Sethe's attention. Denver worships Beloved instead of being jealous of the love she receives from Sethe. 

What's strange is as soon and Beloved arrives it is made clear that Sethe would protect her daughters at all costs (even Paul D) when Sethe and Paul get into a small argument. He believes she is overprotective and should let her children live a little by themselves. 

Overall, the changing dynamics between Sethe and Denver are notable as the novel progresses.