Throughout Beloved, Paul D has had his doubts about Sethe and his relationship with her, but he never voiced them or did anything to hurt what they had. It was only when he sensed Beloved's presence through the floor above that he cannot control himself and told Sethe: "You got two feet, Sethe, not four" (194) and left, never to return. He wasn't sure why he said it, but he believes it was because of Beloved, watching him from above.
His motivation to leave Sethe, with whom he was so happy, is questionable, but familiar. It's a motivation we have seen before. Beloved acts more as a figment of Paul D's imagination than an actual being in this scene. The thought of her built tension and hostility in Paul D's mind spranfg up the forest between him and Sethe the same way the sun drove Meursault through the door of unhappiness.
Neither Paul D nor Meursault acted alone. They both had help in the form of a mysterious external force driving them to commit life-changing deeds. They had been working their way inexorably toward these moments, but could not take action without a little help from their mutual friend Dues Ex Machina, the god that watches them from above and whispers encouragement into their ears as they pull the trigger or open their mouths.
This is a really interesting take on this scene. I like the comparison to Meursault, and see many similarities between the two characters.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting comparison. I agree that it seems like Beloved sways Paul D into acting out of his own power. The one thing that I would question is how does Paul D feel about his actions? Meursault did not feel at all ashamed of his actions. Does Paul D feel any remorse for hurting Sethe?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with your statement. Beloved is more like his fear or wild side rather than a real person. Also, very nice connection to the Stranger.
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