Beloved and Marxism: Socioeconomic means? -Critical Lens Expert-

Beloved

A novel by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison's Beloved is an overall morose novel which interprets rather complex and controversial subjects such as race, roles of gender and class. When looking at the novel through a Marxist lens, it can be inferred that all of these issues all play into the overall suffering and inequality presented in the novel. It can also be inferred that Morrison's idea of class disparity and suffering can not only be attributed to socioeconomic mediums, but racist ideology and treatment as well and can be seen in many different forms of imagery throughout the book.

One of the character's that Morrison uses in Beloved to present this idea of classism is the ex-slave Sethe, as she is discriminated against not just because of her current socioeconomic status but also by the color of her skin.


Sethe's character is an interesting one in that in the face of haunting memories of "Sweet Home" and a dead baby, she is able to act with iron resolve. She is constantly doing what she can to protect herself and her children. Sethe is exponentially bothered by her thoughts, and the recent reincarnation of her dead child, Beloved. As the story progresses, she displays maternal characteristics which were almost nonexistent in her youth due to her mother dying. When the Schoolteacher comes to 124, Sethe makes the decision that freedom through death is a much more viable alternative than having her children face the horrors of slavery.

In regards to class inequality, Sethe is presented with exclusion from her own community because of what she did to Beloved. Re-emergence of these memories are ever prevalent when she recalls "...those boys came in there and took my milk... Held me down and took it" (19). Sethe receives treatment similar to that of cattle. She is stripped of her humanity and exploited by "superior" individuals for profit. In accordance to the beliefs of political philosopher Karl Marx, the Bourgeois which are represented by the slave owners or the ruling/aristocratic class and the slaves who represent the proletariat or working class are exploited in nonpartisan industry. As the Communist Manifesto of Karl Marx dictates, the fruits of labor are taken away from Sethe. Even after the abolition of slavery the feelings of hate, injustice, and inferiority still run rampant amongst the colored Cincinnati population as evidenced by Sethe's sad disposition.


A similar view can be taken by "Bigotry, Breast Milk, Bric-a-Brac, a Baby, and a Bit in Beloved: Toni Morrison's Portrayal of Racism and Hegemony" an article written by Heather Duerre Humann. In her article, Humann elaborates that multiple objects in the story are representations of the current social status of the characters in the book, "Morrison gives an exhaustive description of the bric-a-brac item, telling of its position, inscription, eyes, hair, and mouth in gross detail. She details that the words "At Yo' Service" remain inscribed on the ornament, recapitulating the stereotypical assumption that African Americans are inherently inferior and suggesting that their "natural" role is one of subservience" (Racism and Hegemony- 2004).
Bric-a-brac is a term used to refer to objects of lesser artistic quality such as decorated tea cups, vases etc. By setting up the comparison between Bric-a-brac items and African Americans, it can be inferred that the social class of African Americans is lower than that of the White Americans. Bric-a-brac items are considered second hand things and items of lesser importance, similarly to the status of African Americans during this time period. This destructive ideology of race superiority allows the "Bourgeois" to continue supporting and sustaining the class disparity between African and White Americans, furthering the suffering and exploitation of the proletariat.