When finally asked what she calls herself her answer is chilling: "Nothing.... I don't call myself nothing" (142) (Malmgren, 1995). The book belies the truth of human nature by providing what can happen when a dead child becomes non-human as well as when the institution of slavery becomes non-human. The use of a ghost provides Morrison with the vehicle to introduce racism and slavery as they are interspersed in society today.

Conclusion

Toni Morrison provides a strong illumination of the current memories and pain embedded into American society with regard to racism and slavery. Just as the ghost in Beloved was there, without being tangible, the scars and memories of slavery are indeed intangible but real to all who live in America. The novel illustrates the impact that...

The Concise Oxford Companion to African-American Literature
Malmgren, Carl D (1995) Mixed genres and the logic of slavery in Toni Morrison's 'Beloved.' CRITIQUE: Studies in Contemporary Fiction

Kastor, Elizabeth (1987) Toni Morrison's 'Beloved' Country' the Writer & Her Haunting Tale of Slavery. The Washington Post

Morrison, Toni Beloved. Vintage; Reprint edition (June 8, 2004)

Simpson, Angela (1998) Morrison's 'Beloved.' (novel by woman author Toni Morrison)

The Explicator; Mar 22, 1998; Simpson, Angela C.; 718 Words