Positive Female Relationships in Beloved

While reading Beloved, I have been noticing commonalities with another Toni Morrison novel, Sula. A major aspect that Morrison seems to intentionally include in her novels is the importance of relationships between women, whether as a role model or as a companion. In Beloved, Beloved’s companionship with Denver is very important to Denver. This is emphasized in the quote “Sweet, crazy conversations full of half sentences, daydreams and misunderstandings more thrilling than understandings could ever be” (80). Later on, Sethe longs for the company of Baby Suggs. This is present when it states, “Nine years without the fingers or the voice of Baby Suggs was too much. And the words whispered in the keeping room were too little” (101). A third major relationship between females in the novel is between Amy and Sethe. I think Morrison deliberately used a female character to reinforce the idea of mutual support among women. Morrison  incorporates feminist messages and strong female characters in her novels, which I appreciate. The idea of positive, supportive relationships between women is a powerful message.