Denver: Confronting Cultural and Personal History
Denver is an interesting example of how cultural and personal history can both mix to form a unique identity. Much of her life is determined by being the daughter of a former slave. This cultural influence is amplified by the remarkable events of her own personal history. Denver points to the value in coming to grips with our history. These two factors have been influencing Denver for her entire life. The fact that she lived the early parts of her life in ignorance did not shield her from the effects. A study of Denver proves the inevitability of the past impacting the present. Of greater significance is the fact that Denver flourishes only after she arrives at an understanding of her history. Once she knows where she has come from, she can account for her present condition and begin to take hold of her future.
Much of Denver's personality and life is defined by the fact that she is the daughter of a former slave. Being black, even in the Northern state of Ohio, did not shield Denver from the effects of racism and prejudice. With the memory of slavery being only one generation removed, there must be a strong impact on Denver's life. The two most significant cultural legacies for Denver are a feeling of insecurity and of gratitude. The insecurity comes from a feeling that the slave experience that haunted her Mother and Father could come back and harm her again. Denver is not far enough removed from the actual event. She lives in fear of a relapse into slavery. But, more importantly, Denver had the influence of Baby Shug and other freed slaves to give her a sense of gratitude. Baby Shug was so happy to be alive and a free woman that this legacy carried over to Denver. Both of these characteristics: an uneasy freedom coupled with a gratitude for the freedom are common to many slave experiences. As such, they can be seen as a part of cultural history. If we read a short report by Frederick Douglas, we see that despite the Emancipation Proclamation, the life of a former slave is still a difficult one.
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Obviously, the personal history of Denver is determined in large measure by her Mother's murder of Beloved. This choice has caused Denver to be socially ostracized and isolated. She has no friends and what little contact she does have with the outside world is usually mockery for being the daughter of a baby killer. Sethe is so overwrought with guilt that she is virtually incapable of being an effective mother for Denver. Denver is robbed of a normal childhood and in large measure of a Mother because of a decision Sethe made. There can be no question that Denver's life is defined by her personal history.
In their essay, Zach Korman, Ben Randol, and Lexi Reck say "Beloved, symbolizing all the pain of days past, needs to be resolved, placed in a realm that allows Sethe to move on and live. Her past cannot go on haunting her forever." This quote is both true and misleading. I do not mean to imply that Sethe and Denver will forever be held hostage by this past. Certainly, there are actions they can do to overcome the limitations of the past. The past is not an unalterable destiny. But, the tone of the quote indicates the past needs to be discarded, that it needs to be "placed" somewhere were it can do no harm. It is the contention of this paper that this is not possible. While they can learn to deal with the past, it will never be possible to remove its influence. The nature of history is that it is always with us and we can do nothing to change that.
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Denver's cultural and personal history affect her even if she does not have any knowledge of them. Initially, Denver is not fully aware of what has gone on in her past. Despite this lack of knowledge, the past exerts just as much control over her. However, as she starts to learn about and understand her history she is able to improve herself. Once she knows where she comes from, she learns more about herself and therefore is able to effect the future. At the end of the novel, we see Denver as strong and independent. She has gone out and gotten a job to support her Mother. This strength had to wait until Denver dealt with the past.
In their essay, Aaron Davis, Allison Tepley, Sarah Toner , and Virginia Hamner write, "memories really do assume a life of their own." I believe that they don't assume a life of their own as refuse to die. Memory can't exist independently and have a life of their own. It can only be contained in human thought. The past however, controls human thought. In essence, the past takes such an active part in our lives that we can't help but remember it. Either way, the past assumes a hugely important role in defining who we are. Once we truly know our full history, we are able to take control of it as Denver did.
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