This novel is so interesting to dive into with so many different characters to look at. The novel as a whole deals with the question of personal contradictions. Sethe is the character that I would like to focus on to further investigate. At the beginning of the novel she is obviously dealing with some very serious issues from her past. Paul D is able to observe the changes that have occurred since Sethe killed her daughter. She eventually does come to terms with her past actions only after being able to observe their direct influence on the present when Beloved arrives. By being able to hear that someone cares for her and eventually see her self worth she manages to reconcile with her past.
Denver also deals with the good and bad within herself by separating herself from Sethe and Beloved when they become interested in only each other. She denies herself the earlier addiction that she had to Beloved's attention by seeing the harm it is causing her mother. Denver is able to force down the "evil" or darker side of her nature and confront Beloved and make a choice that will further her future.
Overall Morrison uses the character's love of others as a way for them to counteract the darkness that they find hidden within themselves. Even if they must first embrace the darkness to overcome it, they ultimately manage that act of defiance.
