Beloved Men and Masculinity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Sprawled near Brother, his flame-red tongue hidden from them, his indigo face closed, Sixo slept through dinner like a corpse. Now there was a man, and that was a tree. Himself lying in the bed and the "tree" lying next to him didn't compare. (2.5)

If memories of a bromance are more enjoyable than cuddling with your S.O., you might have a few things to think about. What is it about Paul D's relationship with Sixo that's so meaningful?

Quote #5

But he too, as it turned out, was nothing but a man.

"A man ain't nothing but a man," said Baby Suggs. "But a son? Well now, that's somebody." (2.8-9)

Hmmm, this one's tricky. How can Baby Suggs be both completely disgusted by and proud of Halle? That's motherhood, we guess. He might be a great son and ensure his mother's freedom, but that doesn't mean he isn't completely forgetful of her once she's out of the picture. (How bad would Baby Suggs have felt if she found out the real reason why Halle couldn't escape Sweet Home?)

Quote #6

Halle was more like a brother than a husband. His care suggested a family relationship rather than a man's laying claim. (2.16)

So Sethe would rather be in a Harlequin romance than in a solid relationship with a family guy. Hey, we're all for true love, but it doesn't seem like Sethe truly appreciates how rare a guy like Halle is—a guy who isn't all about "claiming."