'Sethe' in Toni Morrison's 'Beloved': Hero or Murderer? An Analysis of Moral Ambiguity and Judgment

Seminar paper from the year 2008 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Fachbereich Translations-, Sprach- und Kulturwissenschaft), course: Advanced Seminar 'Contemporary American Fiction', language: English, abstract: This paper examines the moral complexity of Sethe, the protagonist in Toni Morrison's novel 'Beloved', who is torn between the roles of a hero and a murderer. The analysis focuses on the ethical dilemma Sethe faces when she chooses to kill her infant daughter to save her from a life of slavery. Through the voices of other characters and the narrative structure, Morrison provides a nuanced judgment on Sethe's actions, raising questions about the nature of sacrifice, the psychological impact of slavery, and the possibility of forgiveness. The paper argues that while Sethe's actions can be seen as heroic within the context of her traumatic experiences, they also carry profound consequences for her and those around her. Ultimately, the novel challenges readers to consider the boundaries between heroism and moral transgression in the face of extreme circumstances.