Butter
Toni Morison’s Beloved utilizes a nonlinear method of storytelling in order for the reader to develop opinions based on what certain characters do and do not know. One example of this that stuck out to me was the “Butter scene”. While we all agree that it was horrific and repulsive, it is interesting to consider the many aspects that made this moment so climactic.
Originally when explaining how the assault went down (“After I left you, those boys came in there and took my milk. That’s what they came in there for. Held me down and took it”), you can understand how terrible it was and how she felt very vulnerable and alone. Sethe had previously explained that her main goal was to “get my milk to my baby girl”, and then vocalizes to Paul D the extent in which it mattered to her (“‘They used cowhide on you?’ ‘And they took my milk.’ ‘They beat you and you was pregnant?’ ‘And they took my milk!’”, essentially saying that even being whipped was less monumental than the violation).
Upon realizing that Halle was there Sethe is rightfully outraged because she believed that he should have helped her (“They took my milk and he saw it and didn’t come down”). Instead of helping, Halle just watched, presumably because he did not want to be punished, but as a consequence he became insane and covered himself in butter. Sethe then experiences her trauma again but under a new lens, completely changing her opinion on Halle. Not only is she mad that Halle did not save her, but she is also mad that he went mad and didn't stay strong for their family like she did.
Sethe's initial reaction, upon putting together the clues about what likely happened to Halle, is to be angry and outraged that "he saw" and "let them go on breathing air." And this anger is understandable, as she's first trying to process all the implications of this new information and to fit it into her picture of events. But she doesn't settle on this point of view: later she calls him "a man God made none sweeter than," and she mourns the fact that she no longer has any hope that he'll return to her someday, or that he's even alive. As with Paul's initially harsh reaction to Sethe's news, which is moderated and more sympathetic with the passage of time, Sethe too has to process this new information about Halle.
ReplyDeleteHey Sam, this is a wonderful post! I think that Morrisons use of non linear storytelling is extremely impactful. By doing this, Morrison confuses the readers and is able to control their perception of certain events and characters. I think that the Butter scene that you talk about is a great example of this!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sam! I agree that this aspect of the book is very important. The non-linear storytelling allows for much more impactful scenes, that allows us to sympathize more clearly with characters. Since we learn the information that Paul D reveals along with Sethe we can understand her anger, but we also go through the reconciliation process with her as well as readers.
ReplyDeleteNice post Sam! I like how you explored an interesting device that Morison uses to enhance the experience for the reader. This style is very unique to the book and I think elevates the emotion one feels while reading, especially the part you talked about. Good job.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! Something that definitely stood out to me, especially after finishing the book, is the fact that it was told in a non-linear way. This method, as you state, allows for the reader to develop their own opinions and feelings rather than being given everything you should know about a character right away. I like that you described Sethe's initial reaction to the information regarding Halle, as it shows how the reader experiences new and changing feelings towards characters as new information is provided just as the characters do the same. Great job!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post, Sam! This non-linear storytelling seems to fit with Morrison's style of dropping the reader in unfamiliar situations. It also gives us a unique point of view where we have the ability to look at the past and the present simultaneously. I think you did a great job explaining this "butter scene" and how Sethe's opinion changes. Overall, great job!
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