Jessica Villatoro

Toni Morrisons unique development of a fugitive slaves journey is phenomenally

developed in her novel Beloved. Morrisons use of various rhetorical devices and

figurative language draws in readers with every word. All this and the syntax

incorporated in the novel brings it over the top. Morrison's application of syntax is wild

yet sophisticated in the sense that there is a meaning beneath it. While Toni Morrison

uses various devices her display of syntax gives the readers insight into the blunt truth

of African Americans, the emotional journey of Sethe and her family, and the haunting

consequences of her actions.

The syntax applied conceals a matching story, which is fascinating keeping the

reader connected and intrigued. Her use of syntax such as that used in Anybody Baby

Suggs knew, let alone loved, who hadnt run off or been hanged, got rented out, loaned

out, bought up, brought back, stored up, mortgaged, won, stolen or seized is painfully

accurate on the subject it depicts (Page 23). In overusing the commas she creates an

elongated tone of dismay which exposes one of the many sad truths of the life of African

American history.

The syntax she chooses to incorporate gives insight as to what the character is

feeling and the way they express it. The syntax displayed in The desire, happy to

provide it depicts Sethes feelings (Morrison 95). The mix of commas, semicolons, and

colons create, at times, a stream of consciousness that offer us insight into the isolation

Sethe feels at the absences of support systems such as Baby Suggs. She then informs

the reader of the newfound hope found in Paul D and the love and support he offers

Sethe.
Jessica Villatoro

As the novel progresses we see Beloveds character becomes more prominent

and powerful in a sense. We can see in the novel that the syntax shifts dramatically as

the point of view seems to shift, I am Beloved and she is mine, from Sethe to Beloved

(210-213). Morrison only displays one period and large gaps in between words and

paragraphs that exemplify the strangeness and confusion that is Beloved and the spirit

and malice brought along with her. The chapter signifies the takeover of power between

Sethe and Beloved. In the following chapter we see Morrisons syntax change to that of

poetry in which dialogue is exchanged and meanings are disguised in each phrase.

Morrisons unique syntax only further draws in readers to continue reading and to get to

the end of the story.

Toni Morrisons unique and unusual syntax throughout her novel is outstanding

and unseen before and for that same reason Beloved deserves the Outstanding award

for Syntax. Toni Morrison manipulated syntax to form an astonishing tale of a journey

from freedom to fear in her own home by actions of her past that soon catch up.