Sethe: World's Worst Hide-and-Seek Champion (or: How NOT to protect your kids)
Let's talk about bad decisions, folks. We all make them, from that questionable third slice of pizza to that unfortunate attempt at skydiving in a lawn chair (hypothetically, of course). But then there are decisions so epic, so monumentally misguided, that they leave you wondering if the person involved maybe bumped their head a little too hard on the childhood rocking horse. Enter Sethe, from Toni Morrison's novel Beloved.
Sethe, a former slave who escaped to freedom with her children, is a character haunted by her past. When faced with the terrifying prospect of her slave catcher returning, she decides to take matters into her own hands... with a saw. Yeah, you read that right. Not exactly "tuck the kids in bed and tell them everything's gonna be alright" material.
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| How Did Sethe Try To Kill Denver |
Subheading: A Saw-y Situation
So, how exactly did this whole "kill-my-kids-to-protect-them" plan go down? Buckle up, buttercup, because this is where things get interesting (and a little dark). Sethe gathers her children and hightails it to the woodshed, armed with a rather nasty-looking saw. Her intention? To kill them before they can be returned to slavery. Not exactly the most heartwarming bedtime story.
Tip: Bookmark this post to revisit later.
Thankfully, things don't go exactly according to Sethe's, ahem, plan. She only manages to kill her eldest daughter before being stopped. Yes, folks, this is the kind of novel where a trip to the shed ends not with a dusty rake but with a major case of "shoulda stayed in bed today."
Subheading: The Aftermath: More Questions Than Answers
Now, the question on everyone's mind (besides maybe "who uses a saw for anything other than carpentry?"): Why in the world would Sethe do something so drastic? The answer lies in the brutal realities of slavery. Sethe had witnessed firsthand the horrors inflicted on slaves, and she couldn't bear the thought of her children facing the same fate. Her act, however misguided, was a desperate attempt to protect her loved ones.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Here's the thing: there's a fine line between love and... well, attempted murder with a saw. Sethe's actions raise a lot of questions about the lengths people will go to in the face of unimaginable trauma.
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FAQ: How NOT to Parent Like Sethe (and some actual helpful tips)
How to protect your kids from danger? Communication, setting boundaries, and maybe a good ol' fashioned nightlight are all better options than a hardware store trip for "educational purposes."
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
How to deal with trauma? There are healthy ways to cope with past experiences. Therapy, support groups, and expressive outlets like art or writing can all be beneficial.
How to avoid using a saw for anything other than its intended purpose? This one's pretty self-explanatory. Saws are for cutting wood, not for... well, you get the picture.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
How to get help if you're struggling? There are many resources available for people dealing with mental health issues. Here are a few places to start:
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
How to appreciate Toni Morrison's genius? Read Beloved! It's a powerful and complex novel that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Just maybe skip the saw-wielding parenting techniques.
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