Paul D is, in my opinion, one of the more interesting characters in Beloved. But, what does he think of himself? I quote from the end of Part I (p. 193):
The roaring in Paul D's head did not prevent him from hearing the pat she gave to the last word, and it occurred to him that what she wanted for her children was exactly what was missing in 124: safety. Which was the very first message he got the day he walked through the door. He thought he had made it safe, had gotten rid of the danger...
Does he feel incomptenent? Unable to protect his own? "Protector" is a quality traditionally ascribed to men; men want to be able to protect the ones they love. Is Paul D's inability to do so crumbling his sense of worth?
I think that Paul D is indeed feeling belittled because he has not brought any safety or security to 124. He has never had a place where he can be useful and appreciated. He had hoped to find that by coming to 124. He wanted to make a complete family, with him being the head of the house (although he knew he had to respect Sethe's will since it is her house). Instead, Paul D feels that he's being "moved around" to wherever he won't be in the way. He has to share Sethe with Denver and now with Beloved too. He doesn't have much stature in the household, and it's weighing him down.
Posted by: Sara E! | February 28, 2007 at 08:02 PM
I agree with you that Paul D. is definitely one of the more interesting characters in Beloved. He has an interesting history and brings a lot to 124. But I just think that he is confused. Confused about Beloved, confused about his relationship with Sethe, and more confused with what he wants.
First, he came to 124 to reunite with Sethe, but found more than he bargained for. He was caught off guard by the ghost and didn't really know how to handle it. I think Paul D. really does love Sethe and wants to stay with her, but he can't. He knows there is no room for him and the spirit, so just choses to make it his responsibility to leave.
Posted by: Annie S. | February 28, 2007 at 09:18 PM
I think it is quite obvious that Paul D. believed he had a plan and purpose when arriving at 124, he wanted to take the place of the male father figure that was absent. However, he just became more of a nuisance to Sethe and her family than he had planned. I think that is does feel inadequate because he does not feel the open welcome and reception that he expected, not necessarily that he cannot protect them. I think he has a right to sulk but only as long as he does it out of the way of everyone else.
Posted by: Kelsy H. | March 01, 2007 at 06:22 PM
i remember reading about how Paul D does not feel like a man or his manhood was taken away at some point, i can't find the quote though. I think this is where his feeling of incompetency comes from, he believes it is his job to be the protector but he just can't do it because does not know how to do it.
Posted by: Pete Sol | March 01, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Paul D is definitely one of the most important characters in the novel. Paul D suffered physically and emotionally at Sweet Home and that caused him to bury his feelings in "the rusted tobacco tim" of his heart. Paul D represses his painful memories and never becomes too attached to anything. Also, he seems to incite the opening up of others, especially women. Sethe welcomes him to 124 where he becomes her lover and the object of Denvers and Beloveds jealousy. Through his marraige with Sethe, he comes to terms with his past. But he continues to doubt aspects of his identity, such as his manhood and value as a person.
Posted by: Mark B | March 01, 2007 at 07:37 PM