Judging Sethe

When Morrison finally reveals the circumstances that caused the isolation and haunting of 124, characters and readers alike are forced to grapple with Sethe’s divisive decision and ultimately formulate an opinion on the morality of her actions. Readers, being so far removed from the circumstances of the event, are unable to pass judgement on the matter because they do not have the lived experience necessary to comprehend the rationale behind Sethe’s decision. Therefore, the diversity of opinions displayed by various characters helps readers understand a variety of complex perspectives from figures who lived through slavery and are (more) qualified to pass judgement. 

One of the first reactions we see is from Denver. Sethe does not voluntarily reveal the circumstances of Beloved’s death, which causes Denver to stumble upon the story abruptly. Because she was only a newborn at the time of the events and subsequently lived in relative isolation, she could not find out about the tragedy unless Sethe willingly yielded the information. Eventually, a curious classmate inquires about her past, leading her to question Sethe about the matter. Upon hearing the truth, Denver is struck deaf. She is utterly shocked by her mother’s actions—unable to comprehend how her mother could possibly commit such a heinous act. A deep fear of Sethe is ignited as she becomes distrustful of her intentions, unsure of what might cause her mother to relapse into another murderous episode. These fears manifest into dreams. Every night she is plagued by nightmares of being “lovingly” beheaded by Sethe. Once Beloved appears, Denver takes it upon herself to “protect” her from Sethe’s volatility, preventing her from being harmed again. Denver’s response to Sethe’s misdeed is harsh but understandable. Her view of Sethe is irreparably altered, as newfound trauma strains their relationship.

Paul D, like Denver, strongly objects to Sethe’s actions, but in a more direct, confrontational manner. Similarly to Denver, Sethe keeps her past actions a secret from Paul D until she is confronted by Stamp Paid’s newspaper article and forced to offer an explanation. He tells her outright that “‘What you did was wrong’”, even comparing her behavior to that of an animal, saying “‘You got two feet, Sethe, not four’” (Morrison 194). He voices the most intuitive, logical response to the incident, saying that “‘There could have been a way. Some other way’” (Morrison 194). Paul D’s outlook on the events may seem harsh, but this is likely due to the fact that readers witness his unfiltered initial reaction rather than a softened version after he has had time to properly process the information. The rest of the figures in the novel have known about Sethe’s actions for nearly two decades, and thus “come to terms” with the tragedy. Paul D eventually reconciles the fracture in their relationship,  suggesting that he has come to sympathize with the unthinkable circumstances accompanying the terrible occurrence.

Stamp Paid offers a level-headed, objective perspective on the tragedy. He never passes direct judgement on Sethe, but implicitly feels that her actions were morally wrong. He feels obligated to inform Paul D about Sethe’s misdeed, though he later regrets it. He also refuses to visit, or even step foot in, 124 after the tragedy, with the exception of retrieving Baby Sugg’s body after her death. Stamp’s lighter judgment is a result of his own lived experiences with decision making in unthinkable situations amid slavery. Paul D and other members of the community all have their own abhorrent experiences, but Stamp’s situation with his wife instills a unique sense of sympathy.

Morrison’s presentation of various differing judgments of Sethe’s actions challenge readers to consider the complexity of Sethe’s situation. From the moment Sethe’s transgression is revealed, it becomes obvious to readers that passing judgement of their own is impossible. Through characters such as Denver, Paul D, and Stamp Paid, we are able to better understand how the issue weighs on the minds of those familiar with the oppressive forces within the institution of slavery.

Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Vintage, 2007.