Moving Forward

The book Beloved itself expresses a lot of emotions. We are exposed to multiple characters that have unique personalities. However, the character Paul D specifically tends to keep things to himself. In comparison to the other characters, he is very different in how he interacts and how he takes in his emotional experiences. In the book he refers to his heart as a tin tobacco box. This shows how his traumatic experiences have affected not only his heart but his perception of self. One of the major things I reflected on in this book is the need for perspective in the world.

     The tin tobacco box is a symbol of history’s negative collective events that have been left unheard and neglected. Paul D feels like he has no other option than to hold everything in because no one wants to hear about these tragic events. It is not something people are comfortable listening to and it doesn't bring happiness. However, it needs to be heard. The tin tobacco boxes shows the effect it has on his heart. It is hurting him because each time he remembers something he adds it there and its tobacco to his heart; it harms him each time. We see this in today’s society as well. Minorities and lower class status are often underrepresented and don’t have a high influence in American politics. This is hurting us too because in order to be a true fair democracy we need multiple perspectives. We as a society have to encourage people to express their voice and not keep everything locked up for whatever reason. I have learned that reflection and expression is key to progress in any sort of way when it comes to class structure.