Black Gothic/ Forceful Violation

 Joshua Owusu 

Ms.Harris 

Engl-2016 

December 2nd ,2021 

Black Gothic/ Forceful Violation 

What is black gothic? On my first day in African American literature, I constantly asked myself this question. If I am being one hundred percent honest, black gothic has so many meanings to me. However, I define black gothic as the capitalization of African American fears in America, and the traumatization of it. The main focus of today's blog is that I will be going over the figurations of forcible violations in beloved between women and men, even between Paul D and Beloved, and how that can relate to black gothic. Also how it connects to real-world situations and actions. 

You could say that Beloved is haunted by the history and memory of forcible violation. The depictions and allusion of forcible violation, that in some way even explains

Sethe’s story. In the book, Paul D had to endure being forced onto by beloved, and that can be a late trauma that was going on during his slavery days. Also, as stated in the book “His presence made Denver jealous, and Beloved eventually targets Paul D, driving him out of the house. Insecure in his masculinity once again, Paul D takes to drinking and keeps his distance from 124” While Paul D does participate in a sexual relationship with Beloved, it is definitely one he does not want. But he cannot stop. So now Paul D thinks of himself as somewhat of an animal, in which he was labeled back in his days by schoolteacher. In which relates to black gothic as the capitalization of black fears. 

That in itself could be relatable to our society today. When a man forces himself onto a woman, that is considered rape, especially if it was unwarranted. Then that man has to endure so much. Like he has to do through so many trials and tribulations, be labeled as a sex offender, do jail time, and so much more. So basically his life is over, especially if that man is of a specific origin. Preferably African American. 

Now let's say that roles in itself were to be reversed. When a woman forcefully violates a man, it is taken lightly. It is not that big of a problem as some people will call it. They would even say “oh he probably liked it, since it is a woman” or something along those lines. So that would mean if this was brought out into the open, that woman would not be seen as the woman violating term “succubus”. Her life would not be over, it wouldn't fall into shambles like a man's life would. At most that “succubus” would probably just get a slap on the wrist. Which sucks, but is factual. 

When you relate this back to beloved, that is exactly what is happening to Paul D, and that destroyed him and his manhood.

In conclusion, the figurations of forcible violation in beloved is astonishing. Reading that book itself helps you explore the topic, and gives you a basis of the “ Black Gothic “.

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