Abstract

In Beloved, Toni Morrison gives us a vivid description of the progress of Seth’s trauma and healing. In this paper Seth’s trauma will be analyzed mainly from two aspects：In family, Seth’s trauma comes mainly from the departure of Paul D, the memories of her mother and the deprivation of maternal love; and in society, Seth’s trauma comes mainly from the slavery system, the oppression of the patriarchal society and the infanticide event. Seth’s self-salvation, Paul D’s love and the black community’s assistance all contribute to Seth’s healing. 

Key words: Beloved; Toni Morrison; trauma; healing

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review.2

3. A Brief Introduction to Trauma.3

4. Seth’s Trauma in Beloved.4

4.1 Seth’s familial trauma in Beloved.4

4.2 Seth’s social trauma in Beloved6

5. Healing of Seth’s Trauma in Beloved8

5.1 Seth’s self-salvation8

5.2 Paul D’s love.9

5.3 Black community’s assistance10

6. Conclusion 10

works Cited12