The Reality of Beloved

Is Beloved alive? Beloved is the daughter that Sethe killed, but somehow, years later, they are together yet again. She is a living, breathing being. She has conversations with other humans, she has an effect on people and space around her, but she is dead. 

Whether she is haunting her murdering mother or spending time with her sister, she is influencing those around her. By pestering, harassing, and assaulting Paul D, she forces him to leave 124. She forms a bond with Denver that causes Denver to care and love Beloved. Once she demonstrates to Sethe that she is her deceased daughter, it is clear that Beloved's well-being is Sethe's main concern leading to her quickly deteriorating health. 

Beloved, alive or dead, is creating a lasting impact on the family she left behind.