Title:
SHATTERED MEMORIES AND A SENSE OF IDENTITY IN BELOVED BY TONI MORRISON

Authors:
Khalid J. Oudah Alogaili, Iraq

Abstract:
This paper examines and explores the complex relationship in Toni Morrison's ‘Beloved’ between the feeling of identity and the scattered memories. The novel employs the experiences of its characters—especially Sethe, whose recollections of her horrific past interfere with her ability to construct a cohesive identity—to illustrate the eerie legacy of slavery. Through a qualitative analysis of non-linear narrative structure of the novel, the paper investigates how Morrison represented memory fragmentation as a mirror of the psychological damage caused by slavery. The study argues that the characters' sense of self is damaged as a result of these fragmented memories, which are frequently brought on by upsetting memories and the spectral presence of Beloved. This is especially true in light of their struggles to reconcile the past with their present identities. By examining pivotal scenes and character dynamics, this study elucidates how Beloved employed memory as a literary device to investigate the enduring effects of slavery on African American identity. Last, the paper concludes that Morrison's depiction of segmented memories not only highlights the internal struggles of the characters but also offers a wider reflection on the lasting impact of slavery's collective trauma on the development of African American identities.