We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Beloved Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Everybody knew what she was called, but nobody anywhere knew her name. Disremembered and unaccounted for, she cannot be lost because no one is looking for her, and even if they were, how can they call her if they don't know her name? Although she has claim, she is not claimed. (28.2)

Cue the tears. Also: Is a person only lost if someone else is looking to find that person? Is it possible that whether you're lost or found depends on how much other people remember (and care about) you?

Quote #8

It was not a story to pass on […] It was not a story to pass on […] This is not a story to pass on. (28.3, 28.5, 28.7)

We're pretty sure you've picked up on the change from "it was not" to "this is not." So what does "this" refer to? The very last chapter of the book (which details Beloved's "afterlife")? Or the book Beloved itself? Or something totally different? Take a look at "What's Up With the Ending?" for more on these lines.

Quote #9

They forgot her like a bad dream. After they made up their tales, shaped and decorated them, those that saw her that day on the porch quickly and deliberately forgot her. It took longer for those who had spoken to her, lived with her, fallen in love with her, to forget, until they realized they couldn't remember or repeat a single thing she said, and began to believe that, other than what they themselves were thinking, she hadn't said anything at all. So, in the end, they forgot her too. Remembering seemed unwise. (28.4)

Doesn't seem fair, does it? Beloved's story isn't even in Beloved's control since "they" are the ones to make up their tales (i.e., fabricate, embellish, lie even). And once they've put Beloved through the vicious gossip mill, they just up and forget her like she never even existed. We figure remembering is unwise not just because people can't keep the story straight, but because the act of remembering seems to do so much damage as well—in this case, to Beloved.