Does Paul D's reaction make sense?
Is Paul D’s reaction to Sethe’s actions understandable?
I would say yes.
There are a lot of different factors that
play into his reaction, and after giving them all some thought, I think that he
is justified in how he reacted. When I first read the section that describes
Paul D’s reaction, I initially thought he was way too harsh. I mean, he basically
called Sethe an animal for what she did and he just left without saying
anything after promising a future with her and Denver. However, after our discussions
in class this week, I think that his drastic response makes sense.
One thing that Mr. Mitchell noted in class was that Paul D
is in a very different situation when finding out about Sethe’s story compared
to us as readers. We are already told the facts of what happened, and then we
hear Sethe’s explanation. However, Paul D is receiving both the facts and the
explanation at the same time. For one, that combination is extremely
overwhelming as both the facts and the explanation of the event are hard to
grapple with. Additionally, it may have made Sethe seem more like she was making
an excuse than trying to explain the reasoning behind her actions. If Paul D
had known and had time to grapple with the factual aspect of the event before
he went to Sethe for an explanation, I think it would’ve helped him understand
her perspective a bit more.
Another thing that contributes to Paul D’s reaction is that
he doesn’t fully comprehend Sethe’s circumstance and character. Though Sethe tries
her best to describe the escape and the significance of it to him, it’s not
really possible for Paul D to empathize with her completely, especially given
that she was explaining the escape to give context for what she did in Baby
Sugg’s yard. Even before the escape, Sethe went through unspeakably horrific
experiences at Sweet Home that Paul D could never understand. Further, Paul D
doesn’t really know who Sethe was as a mother, because they were separated so
long ago. As readers, we are very familiar with Sethe’s “superhuman” motherly
qualities, but Paul D isn’t. Much of what we see of Sethe’s motherly character
is provided through the scenes showing the escape and when she is living at 124
before Paul D arrives. Paul D wasn’t with Sethe when these things happened, so
he doesn’t know how much motherly responsibility Sethe feels.
Given all these factors, I think Paul D’s reaction makes
sense with the combination of his lack of knowledge about Sethe and the way in
which Sethe’s actions were presented to him.
I also understand Paul D's reaction. Though I hate that he compared her to an animal. It makes sense that he doesn't really understand Sethe's motherly love because, for one, he'll never be a mother. It was really shocking for us to learn about Sethe's actions, but at least we got to know her a bit, got to learn what she did, and then get an explanation. I imagine it would have been difficult for Paul D to get both the facts & explanation at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI think that as a reader, it was really easy to get mad (like I did) at his character, and wonder why he couldn't be more understanding. Like Sethe said, he knows how bad Sweet Home was, so if anyone would understand her we would think it would be him. But like you said, a second glance makes the reader realize basically that Paul D is going through his own troubles as well. This seemed to top the cake, and force him to think about all of the things in his "tin" box.
ReplyDeleteI think it's understandable how he reacted. We don't know a TON about Paul D's past, and thus we have no idea if he ever had children, nor if he had to send those children ahead of him, then protect them with all his might upon reaching "freedom". And for the longest time, Paul D kind of saw Sethe as this former "victim" who has persevered and built a life for herself and her daughter despite all the terrible things that happened to her. But now, that vision is being skewed by this unspeakable thing she did that she, eighteen years later, has no remorse for.
ReplyDeleteI also initially responded badly to Paul D.'s response, but I agree that it was very valid, though harsh. I also think that he redeems himself later as he spends time alone in the chapel, reaches some semblance of his own conclusions, and goes back to Sethe in the end to try to help her heal and perhaps rekindle their relationship in a more open way.
ReplyDeletePaul D has been, as far as we know him, a reliable, moral character. That's why it hurt me to see him react the way he did when Sethe finally opened up to him. I think it's important to keep in mind that Sethe is finally talking about her haunting past after holding it all in for 18 years. Its a horrific story, and I can understand his reaction, but I don't know if that justifies it. He of all people should understand Sethe's thinking. Of course everyone wishes there was another way, but like Paul D there's nothing that I could come up with. If he can never look at her the same, it makes sense, but he could've been more respectful.
ReplyDeleteYeah everyone felt a little let down by paul d but his reaction was probably more reasonable than a lot of other peoples' would have been. Try to imagine if your fiancee told you they murdered their baby, how would you react? I have no idea because I can't imagine it. Probably would think they're crazy no matter how they justified it. Pretty much all division in the world happens because we don't fully understand each other. Otherwise we would all be the same person and there would be no division but it would be pretty boring and weird. Really good explication!
ReplyDeleteI definitely find your point about the justification of his rejection of Sethe to be quite convincing. He isn't exposed to the facts before Sethe tries to explain it to him and he is trying to process both at the same time, basically frying his brain and causing him to go to the church and think it all through. Also, I think you touched on this point, but Paul D can never truly understand a woman's motherly love for her children as that is a special bond connecting mother and child. However, I do think that him trying to reconnect with Sethe at the end of the book speaks to him finally processing the entirety of the information and judging that he was wrong to walk out on her the first time, despite it being a totally justified decision at the time.
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