close
test_template

The Symbol of Tobacco Tin Box in "Beloved"

Human-Written
download print

About this sample

About this sample

close
Human-Written

Words: 761 |

Pages: 1.5|

4 min read

Updated: 16 January, 2025

Essay grade:
Good
arrow downward Read Review

Words: 761|Pages: 1.5|4 min read

Updated: 16 January, 2025

Essay grade:
Good
arrow downward Read Review

There are many symbols woven throughout Beloved, by Toni Morrison. Among those is Paul D’s tobacco tin box, which is a figurative replacement for his heart. Being a slave at Sweet Home and a prisoner at a camp in Alfred, Georgia, Paul D certainly faces traumatizing events. These traumatizing events are figuratively manifested in Paul D’s tobacco tin box. In more abstract terms, the tobacco tin box represents the loss of connection between memories and emotional function. With a tobacco tin box as a figurative replacement for a heart for Paul D, Morrison highlights slavery’s destruction of identity.

Paul D as an Example of a Person Who Has Involuntarily Lost His Personality

Paul D’s traumatizing experience under the burden of an iron bit in his mouth cause him to lose his voice, and adopt of a feeling of uselessness. The iron bit is a manifestation of slavery’s destruction of identity because Paul D is restricted of his ability to talk. Most of our personality is displayed by what we say or do, and by being severely limited in those areas, Paul D ends up with a reduced personality. Paul D is naturally a kind and caring person, but when “Paul D saw [Halle] and could not save or comfort him because the iron bit was in his mouth”, his caring nature is destroyed (Morrison, 83). The iron bit is a critical piece to Paul D’s tobacco tin box because “it put a wildness where before there wasn’t any” (Morrison, 84). The tin symbolically represents all harsh emotional changes that occur as a result of the horrors of slavery. For Paul D, that change was a wildness that would remain for a while.

Paul D arrives at 124 and begins to become more of the masculine character that he aspires to be. After being treated as sub-human for the last several years, spending quality time with Sethe and Denver change him for the better. Although once Paul D learns about Sethe’s questionable past, there is no looking beyond that. Having a tobacco tin box as a heart, Paul D cannot comprehend the kind of “thick love” that Sethe believes in for her children. Being abused, humiliated, and tortured, Paul D is left immune to any feelings of love. This is part of of the emotional dysfunction that Paul D suffers on a daily basis. Paul D says, “You got two feet, Sethe, not four” (Morrison, 194). The knowledge of Sethe’s brutal actions is yet another item added to the tobacco tin.

Paul D as a character is naturally inclined to be kind and feel sympathy for those he loves, but his tobacco tin deprives him of that. Scraping away all that was left of his original identity, all he can do is part with Sethe, “locking the distance between them, giving it shape and heft” (Morrison, 194). The work as a whole places great emphasis on the trials of abandonment and desperation that Paul D goes through. His parting with Sethe is stacked up with all the rest, lying in his tobacco tin box. The opening of Paul D’s tobacco tin represents how past horrors can always return to haunt us. With Beloved breaching an increasing threat on Paul D’s sanity, an emotional revolution was imminent for Paul D. Beloved’s sexual pressure and Paul D’s uncontrollable impulse for connection disrupts his emotional stagnation, and pries open the lid of his tobacco tin. Paul D is left repeating, “Red heart. Red heart” (Morrison, 138). It was a deep, haunting, and emotional connection which provoked such change in heart for Paul D, which closely aligns with slavery’s long-lasting detriments to the heart. Paul D’s encounter with Beloved represents more than just a physical event. Beloved, a figure from the past, stimulates Paul D’s heart painfully, just as when he reflects about traumatizing experiences. The opening of his tobacco tin is critical to the work as a whole because it reinforces the idea that even something so dull and stagnant can be victimized by slavery.

Get a custom paper now from our expert writers.

With a tobacco tin box as a figurative replacement for a heart for Paul D, Morrison highlights slavery’s destruction of identity With no way of showing a hint of emotion that used to be there, the tobacco tin box becomes a symbolic location in the heart where all connections, emotions, hope, and desperations lay to rest. The symbol is a powerful manifestation of all things terrifying in slavery, and most importantly, the harsh destruction of one’s identity.

Image of Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
This essay was graded by
Dr. Charlotte Jacobson
Essay’s grade:
Good
What’s grading
minus plus
Expert Review
This essay offers a compelling analysis of the symbolic significance of Paul D's tobacco tin box in Toni Morrison's "Beloved," effectively connecting it to the broader theme of slavery’s destruction of identity. The writer skillfully examines how the tobacco tin box serves as a metaphorical replacement for Paul D’s heart, illustrating the emotional and psychological toll of his traumatic experiences. The exploration of Paul D's character development is well-articulated, highlighting his involuntary loss of personality due to slavery’s dehumanizing effects. The discussion on how his interactions with Sethe and Denver influence him adds depth to the analysis. However, there are areas where clarity could be improved, particularly in transitioning between ideas to maintain coherence. Additionally, further textual evidence could enhance the argument regarding Paul D's emotional transformation upon encountering Beloved. Overall, this essay demonstrates strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of Morrison’s work, justifying its high rating while suggesting room for refinement in structure and evidence presentation.
minus plus
What can be improved
This essay presents a thoughtful analysis of the symbolic role of Paul D's tobacco tin box in "Beloved," yet several areas could be refined for enhanced clarity and coherence. First, transitions between paragraphs could be smoother to create a more fluid reading experience. For instance, when shifting from Paul D’s experiences with Sethe to his emotional struggles, a clearer connection could help guide the reader through his transformation. Additionally, while the essay provides relevant textual evidence, incorporating more direct quotes would strengthen the argument regarding Paul D's emotional evolution. This would not only support the points made but also allow for deeper engagement with Morrison's language and themes. The conclusion reiterates important ideas but could benefit from a more profound synthesis of how the tobacco tin box encapsulates broader themes within slavery and identity loss. Expanding on these connections may offer readers a richer understanding of Morrison’s commentary on trauma. Overall, while the essay displays strong analytical skills and insight into character development, focusing on structural coherence and bolstering arguments with additional textual support would significantly enhance its effectiveness.

Cite this Essay

The Symbol of Tobacco Tin Box in “Beloved”. (2018, May 09). GradesFixer. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-tobacco-tin-box-in-beloved/
“The Symbol of Tobacco Tin Box in “Beloved”.” GradesFixer, 09 May 2018, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-tobacco-tin-box-in-beloved/
The Symbol of Tobacco Tin Box in “Beloved”. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-tobacco-tin-box-in-beloved/> [Accessed 12 Feb. 2025].
The Symbol of Tobacco Tin Box in “Beloved” [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2018 May 09 [cited 2025 Feb 12]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/the-tobacco-tin-box-in-beloved/
copy
Keep in mind: This sample was shared by another student.
  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours
Write my essay

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

close

Where do you want us to send this sample?

    By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

    close

    Be careful. This essay is not unique

    This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

    Download this Sample

    Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

    close

    Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

    close

    Thanks!

    Please check your inbox.

    We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

    clock-banner-side

    Get Your
    Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

    exit-popup-close
    We can help you get a better grade and deliver your task on time!
    • Instructions Followed To The Letter
    • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
    • Unique And Plagiarism Free
    Order your paper now