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In the novel Beloved by Tori Morrison, multiple events affect the character in negative way. Sethe goes through many tragic events, which consequently change her habits and attitude. Therefore, these occurrences show that leaving negative and dreadful memories of the past is absolutely necessary to live a free and positive present.

Sethe’s past is the the cause of her monotonous present activities. Sethe kills one of her daughters, Beloved, in order to save her from the slave life. The way the narrator describes the event is gruesome, which reflects on Sethe’s life. For example, the narrator describes that Sethe slams her child against a wall numerous times, with the intention of killing Beloved. Thus, this murder affects her present activities. When Sethe is in her present home, she cleans and watches people walk by her house everyday. Also, when she describes her day, the majority of the time, she is in solitude. The story continuously transitions from present to past to show that Sethe constantly remembers her devastating past life. For example, the only time in the story that describes the murder is when she flashes back. Furthermore, this shows that she cannot forget the murder. Instead of freeing herself from that horrid event and accepting that her daughter is gone, she continuously thinks about that event with lament. Holding on to past past affects Sethe’s daily and present activities. Therefore, letting go of gratuitous problems and memories from the past is the best way to live a peaceful and tranquil life without monotony.

Sethe’s murder causes her attitude to change into one that is indifferent and unstable. Once Sethe kills Beloved, her attitude toward life radically alters. Sethe suddenly becomes dissatisfied by Beloved’s company but she also abhors her when Paul D. comes around and visits her house. This indifferent attitude is due to the the murder of her daughter in Sweet Home. Having killed someone in general is something that affects the mind permanently, unless one truly forgets. In Sethe’s case, Beloved’s company does not allow Sethe’s to have a stable attitude. For example, sometimes the Beloved’s actions affect Sethe’s attitude because she would have strange outburst of anger because Paul D. was in their home. The complete restoration of her present and attitude will only occur if her past is forgotten, this means forgetting about Beloved because she is dead. Therefore, the only way for Sethe to become free and established, is by letting go of the past faults she has committed.

Sethe’s mental and physical abuse in the past provoke her to desire love and acquire affection in the present. In Sweet Home, the white men took her milk and mistreated her. She became mentally unstable, ultimately because she would be whipped excessively from the slave owner. During this time, she is not embraced nor loved, even at her new home, where she resides with Denver. Sethe seems very lonely at times and would not even bother having visitors. Not until Paul D. arrives at her home, she becomes embraced and the family would go out more often. Hence, she enjoys Paul D.’s company. This is revealed, when he touches her breast and stays with her; he makes her feel alive. Furthermore, because Sethe does not let go of past abuses, she constantly desires and aspirates for love and company because of insecurity. Therefore, in order for Sethe to have complete happiness, she must let go of the hurt others have caused her in order to be genuinely content with life and feel secure.

In conclusion, Sethe’s negative past life affects her present activities, and attitudes. Her personal struggles cause her to become confused, unstable, and isolated from society. All in all, her experiences show that it is vital to release the past in order to live in peace with the present.