Beloved's Shining

From her initial appearance at 124, Beloved has been described much like an infant. When Beloved was first sighted, even Sethe reacted as though it was the birthing of a baby with the breaking of her water. Sethe “had to lift her skirts, and the water she voided was endless”(61). After being taken in to 124, Beloved was examined by the current inhabitants. Her skin had the appearance of  “new” skin (61). It was completely smooth with no wrinkles or skin defects present, even on her knuckles.  This newness of skin and body is resonant with the newness and youth of an infant.

This initial depiction of Beloved as youthful and baby-like is greatly contrasted by later descriptions of her. When Paul D becomes aware of Beloved’s presence, he describes her as “shining” (76). This shining he describes is very sexual and he could not distinguish whom this arousal was meant for. Morrison makes it very clear the Sethe is who the shining was meant for. “Sethe was licked, tasted, eaten by Beloved’s eyes” (68). This description of Beloved’s actions towards Sethe is highly sexual.

The contrast between baby-like Beloved and shining, aroused Beloved makes for complexities when analyzing a scene such as the one when Beloved visits Paul D in the shed outside of 124. She came requesting, “I want you to touch me on the inside part and call me my name” (137).  At this moment, Beloved is the sexual being described by “shining.” Although she is requesting an intimate act shared by those in later times of life, she asked in a manner that seems naïve and childish. She wants him to address her by name to establish a sort of identity for herself. This needy expression solidifies the reader’s interpretation of her as baby-like, but is complicated by the sexual setting. If meant to be a reincarnation or reappearance of Sethe’s dead infant, how is the reader supposed to respond to this sexual act? If she was “shining” for Sethe, what does she seek to accomplish by seducing Paul D?