I think Paul D.'s reaction upon hearing that Sethe killed/tried to kill her children was very appropriate. Who wouldn't be in denial, and disgusted, and even make up alternative solutions (as impossible as they might be) upon hearing that someone they loved was a murderer - of their own children, no less. What surprised me was that, even after he had gone through the abuses slavery just like Sethe had, he still wasn't able to comprehend that rationality behind killing one's own children to prevent them from going through the same thing.
I had thought that Paul D. and Sethe had a special connection because they had both been slaves together, and they had both felt Mr. Garner's 'kindness' and then schoolteacher's wrath. So it made me think that perhaps he of all people would understand why Sethe tried to kill her children to save them from a worse fate. But then I was reminded of the essay that I referred to in my previous post, that emphasized the significance of the rape scene to the book and to Sethe's life. The rape, and the beatings Sethe received afterwards, were not something Paul D had ever experienced. Certainly he had been beaten before, and in Alfred, Georgia he was almost forced to commit sexual acts with the guards (but was spared) - but nothing to the intensity of abuse Sethe received. He does not carry a constant reminder of the pain schoolteacher and his nephews on his back, puffed out and raw for all to see. And, until after he had moved out of 124, he had never considered death a kinder option than being a slave. Though it was horrific, it wasn't nearly as bad for him as it was for Sethe, and that's where the difference lies. It was easier for him to keep all those memories locked up in the tin tobacco box in his heart, which is perhaps why he didn't prefer death over slavery - because he repressed how bad slavery truly was. But since Sethe had a constant reminder, in her scars and in her dead baby daughter reincarnated, killing her children seemed like the better option. It wasn't until after Paul D had left Sethe and 124, after he had shared with Sethe all the memories they had in common, that his tin tobacco box became a beating, red heart. In chapter 24, it even says, "He couldn't figure out why it took so long. He may as well have jumped in the fire with Sixo and they both could have had a good laugh." (Beloved 218-219) Now that his tin tobacco box was open, and all his memories came flooding back, with help from Sethe and Beloved, he began to think that death might have been a better option. However, that doesn't stop him from being upset at Sethe for doing it.
At first, when Stamp Paid showed him the newspaper clipping, Paul D was in denial claiming, "That ain't her mouth" (Beloved 154). He probably believed it in the back of his mind, but he didn't want to - and so he made up any excuse he could to convince himself that the woman in the newspaper clipping was not Sethe. After Sethe admitted that she tried to kill her children to protect them, he was disgusted and frightened. It wasn't merely the act of killing her children that scared him, but the reason behind it - that it was for their safety. He realized that "this here Sethe talked about safety with a handsaw." (Beloved 164). He was frightened and upset that safety from slavery meant death. And he was even more upset because he had known Sethe since she was a girl, and he would have never expected her to do something like this. And finally, he tried to come up with (vague) other alternatives to killing her own children, saying, "Maybe there's worse." and "There could have been a way. Some other way." (Beloved 165). All in all, I'd say Paul D.'s reaction was very appropriate, it was just like any other person would react upon hearing such news. However, I was still somewhat surprised that he would react like 'any other person'. I thought he'd show more understanding to Sethe's situation, but upon taking a closer look, I saw that he could not.
-Rachel H.
I agree with Eugenia that Paul D’s reaction to learning of Sethe’s murder of her daughter Beloved was appropriate. Although Rachel does bring up an interesting point that Paul D. would have a better understanding of Sethe’s situation because he also experienced Sweet Home and the schoolteacher, I still think that his initial reaction of fright and awe is appropriate. I think that Sethe’s actions are inexcusable as a mother. For Paul D to pity her or simply be okay with the news he learns would be an inappropriate reaction. The fact that he is still appalled by what she did even though he did experience slavery prove that her decision to murder her children was incorrect. Sethe’s decision makes sense only to her and she thought that Paul D would have some kind of understanding of the situation. Although, Paul D still might not understand her reasoning because he is not a mother. Maybe it’s the mothers' instinct and incomparable love that allows Sethe to kill her children.
ReplyDeleteRachel brings up that she believes that Sethe and Paul D have a special connection because they have both been through slavery, although this is true, when does this connection end? Just because they’ve been through slavery together is it necessary for them to agree on everything? Does Paul D have to follow and agree with every one of Sethe’s decisions? Yes their connection was strong, and I was secretly hoping that he wouldn’t leave Sethe because she has already gone through so much, but can we really blame him for leaving? I think that any reasonable person in his situation would have left Sethe. Once finding out that the women he’s been with is a murderer and that he is simply in the company of a murderer would be enough to send any person away. I believe that Sethe should have told him, and sooner. Although I agree it’s not a “first date” topic I do think that it’s necessary background information. Overall I think that Paul D is completely justified in reactions towards Sethe after he finds out that she is a killer.
-Priyanka