What's the significance of water in Toni Morrison's Beloved? How can you relate that to the importance of history in the novel?
Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Here are some sites to help you:
1. http://www.luminarium.org/contemporary/tonimorrison/beloved.htm (a very brief review)
2. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0403/is_2_44/ai_53260178 (an article)
3. http://www.homework-online.com/beloved/index.asp (A Homework Online Study Guide)
As for the symbolism of water. by analogy, water stands as a mediator between life and death, with a two-way positive and negative flow of creation and dwestruction. (from A Dictionary of Symbols, by J. E. Cirlot)
as a cell prepares to divide ,a dna molecule and its associated proteins
as a cell propares to divide ,a DNA molecule and associated proteins
In Toni Morrison's novel Beloved, water plays a significant role symbolically, demonstrating its link to life and death. The importance of water can be related to the theme of history in the novel, as both water and history serve as powerful catalysts for healing and understanding.
To understand the significance of water in Beloved and its connection to history, one can analyze the text and literary criticism. The first step would be to read the novel itself, paying attention to the moments where water is mentioned or described. This could involve noting passages that involve bodies of water, rain, or even the act of washing.
Next, you could refer to literary criticism and analysis of Beloved. The websites provided, such as the Luminarium page and the Find Articles article, can give you a brief review and analysis of the novel, which may include information about the symbolism of water. The Homework Online Study Guide can also provide further insights into the symbolic significance of water in the story.
One way to relate the symbolism of water to the importance of history in Beloved is to consider water as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of history and memory. Water, like history, can carry memories and stories, and both can have the power to heal or haunt. Just as water can cleanse and purify, history can bring understanding and redemption. However, both water and history can also be destructive and overwhelming, as seen through the devastating effects of slavery in the novel.
By exploring the symbolism of water in Beloved and its relationship to history, you can gain a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs present in the novel. Remember to use the provided resources as a starting point, but also engage in your own analysis and interpretation for a comprehensive understanding of the text.