Elizabeth Bugtai

In the modern world, many view the use of religion as an oppressive and primitive practice because of its outdated and traditional customs. However, Toni Morrison's 1987 novel Beloved incorporates crucial aspects of Christianity and its relationship within the black community, specifically through Sethe’s ghost daughter, to accentuate the beauty within Christianity. Beloved mimics the characteristics of Jesus Christ through her abilities to resurrect, heal her kin, and transcend through time. In this essay, I will be arguing that Beloved shares crucial similarities to Jesus Christ, argued through the citations of the New Standard Version Bible and other critics who defend the religious features in Beloved, because she hopes this will inspire the continuation of reawakening for His sons and daughters.