The novel gives a name to several black women who were often overshadowed by their male counterparts. One of the great characteristics of this novel is how the hardship faced by black mothers, shown through the ghost of their beloved, embodies the past that must be remembered in order to be forgotten. Morrison draws on the story of Harriet Jacob to demonstrate the unique struggle black women, and more specifically the experiences' mothers faced during the period bringing light to historically untold stories. The importance of Womanhood and its challenges as a black woman There is a beauty in the attention to detail that Morrison introduces in her references to African traditions, which makes the novel even more enjoyable. On top of West African traditions, Morrison draws on the Native American tradition of “Yowa” and more generally the history of over 6,000 surviving slave testimonials, notably Harriet Jacobs’ 1861 trial upon which the novel is based. The character of Sethe closely resonates with this mythology. The main reference was to the Yoruba abiku – which is ‘a spirit child which incarnates in human form to be with his mother’ (Nigeria). Morrison draws on several west and central African symbols and tales, such as the Kikongo – ‘bandoki’ of modern-day Congo, Kanda (living elders), Igbo tradition of ogbanje (Nigeria). The references to West African mythology and African American traditions
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