In any novel, names have significance, but in Beloved, they are particularly important. Names are a source of identity and often offer a connection to one’s family history. In Beloved, characters’ names can symbolize their level of freedom. Sethe, who was born sometime during her mother’s journey on the Middle Passage, was named after her father, which is significant because even though her mother is locked up on a ship, she is not yet a full-time slave and still has the freedom to name her child. Baby Suggs’s owner, Mrs. Garner, calls her “Jenny,” and Baby Suggs has no idea where the name came from. When she finally gains her freedom, the white family who helps her settle into a new house asks her what she would like to be called. Baby Suggs names herself, taking the last name of one of the fathers of her children. Baby Suggs is only able to take a name that she feels is “correct” when she gains her freedom. Finally, three of the slaves at Sweet Home all share the same name, Paul. They are only differentiated by letters, suggesting that they lack individuality in the eyes of their owners. They also take the last name Garner, which symbolizes that they are owned by the Garner family. Morrison chooses the names of her characters wisely, subtly inserting the stories of how their names were chosen, in order to make a larger point about how those subjected to slavery were dehumanized by their owners.
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I really like your insight Lainey. I would also like to point out Denver’s name too. Not that it really symbolizes anything, but it is still important. We know that she is named after Amy Denver because she took care of Sethe during her pregnancy. This may just be to be a sign of gratitude and thanks to her. But, this may even have a deeper meaning. Naming someone after somebody else is a very big deal and always has great importance. Denver is named that because during a time of tragedy and struggle, Amy was able to keep Sethe safe and her baby healthy. Sethe is very thankful for her kindness. Does anyone else know of any other reason her name could be Denver?? I don’t think the city has anything to do with it...hahaha.
To piggyback off of Ben's comment on Denver's name, I thought that Denver had some form of relationship to the city in Colorado (where I will have the privilege to visit for three weeks this summer). I did a little bit of research to see if there is any connection between Sethe's daughter and the city in Colorado. We know that in 1873, the setting of the novel, Denver was approximately our age. Therefore, she was born somewhere in the mid 1850s. The city Denver was founded in 1858 so pretty much the same time as Denver's birth. The city was named after a man called James W. Denver (Source: https://www.denver.org/about-denver/denver-history/early-denver-history/). Although the novel is fiction, perhaps Amy Denver was intended to be related to this man.
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