Beloved

Novel | Toni Morrison
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Analyze the character of Baby Suggs. How does she treat Sethe?

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Analyze the character of Baby Suggs. How does she treat Sethe? [NU: 2016, 19] ★★★    

In “Beloved” (1987), Toni Morrison (1931–2019) presents Baby Suggs as a mother, healer, and preacher. She is Halle’s mother and Sethe’s mother-in-law. Her life shows slavery’s pain but also the power of love.   

A mother in pain from loss: Baby Suggs had eight children, but only Halle was not sold. She carries deep grief for her lost family. After Halle buys her freedom, she moves to Cincinnati. She becomes a respected figure in the Black community.   

A Spiritual Healer: Baby Suggs preaches in the Clearing. She urges former slaves to love themselves and their bodies. She tells them, This place, we are human bodies. Our bodies cry, laugh, and dance freely on the grass. Baby Suggs says in  Part One, Ch. 9, 

“In this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in gras

s”. 

This shows her as a source of healing.  

Treatment of Sethe: When Sethe escapes Sweet Home, Baby Suggs welcomes her with warmth. She provides food, rest, and care. She protects Sethe like a true mother. She holds a feast for the community to celebrate her arrival. But after Sethe’s tragic act of killing her child, Baby Suggs is crushed. She withdraws from preaching and loses hope.

Symbol of Love and Weariness: Though Baby Suggs is a kind-hearted person. She also suffers under the community’s judgment. Jealous neighbors annoy her. After the infanticide, she turns inward and spends her last days in bed.   

In conclusion, Baby Suggs is a character of love, strength, and sorrow. She treats Sethe with kindness and support. But her spirit breaks under grief. It shows how slavery destroyed even strong hearts

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