The Iron Bit

In chapter seven of Beloved, Morrison addresses the iron bit worn by Paul D during their time as slaves.  When we watched the video of Morrison discussing her novel, I appreciated the images of the bit that was provided (if you didn't get to see it, I tried looking it up on google, but nothing came up), because living in priveledged 21st century America it is hard to imagine what a human bit could even look like. The bit was a cruel agent that stripped the slaves of their humanity.  A completely animalistic tool, the bit degraded them to the lowest point, like a dog with a muzzle. Paul D talks about how he couldn't stop the men from stealing Sethe's milk because he was subject to the bit.  Sethe knows the terrible humiliation it brought to him and the painful memories he feels because of it. When describing the feelings from the bit, Morrison describes the humiliation more than the physical pain.  This is an interesting choice because given our elementary understanding of slavery, slaves were subject to beatings frequently and didn't have much pride to be taken away.  However, Morrison brings about new ideas about slavery and the agency and manhood that is rarely taken into account.

Comments

[Max K.]

I think this is an interesting idea. The sort of implication made with slavery in general is that human beings are made into beasts of burden, but I think the iron bit takes it to a new level. Slaves do what they can to preserve their humanity, creating songs to sing in the fields and a sense of communinity amongst themselves. The iron bit more than anything strips slaves of anything of their humanity they might have left, as they are unable to talk and lose their ability to communicate.

[Hannah G.]

The idea of humiliation, over physical pain is very interesting, because In Chapter 7 of the novel, all Paul D can think about is how Mister...the Rooster, is superior to him. While wearing the bit one cannot speak, the wearer is completely dominated. It also does not help that the Rooster's name is Mister.

[Kristie B]

After I read your post I looked over chapter seven once again to try to understand the significance of the bit. I feel like in her interview, Morrison emphasizes the concept of the bit, but I really don't feel like it was a significant motif in the novel. I do, however, think that it was interesting that Morrison put more emphasis on the humility that the bit brought upon it's wearer, rather than the physical discomfort and pain.

[Meghan A.]

I agree with Kristie that the iron bit didn't seem to be a significant motif. I think iron in general and its different uses was much more significant. I also found Morrison's emphasis on humility interesting, and I wonder whether it was because the emotional implications lasted longer than the physical pain.

[Nick M.]

I think that that is exactly why the bit's emotional effect is mentioned. While broken bones and torn skin will heal, as long as a memory remains it will be painful.

[Danielle]

Indeed the iron bit information is rather hard to deal with but I have one criticism. It wasn't Paul D that couldn't save Sethe for fear of the bit. It was Halle. He was at the the top of the barn when the nephews stole Sethe's milk.