Beloved

How does the perception of truth affect love?

In Beloved by Toni Morrison, perception of truth is a vital theme that runs throughout the novel. The entire novel is told from different point of views, which in turn affects the idea of truth and love. At one point in the novel, the character of Beloved is alternately being described by Sethe, Denver, and Beloved. Each has a dramatically different perception of who Beloved is, how she affects them, and their connection and love to her. "You are mine I have your milk I have your smile I will take care of you...I loved you You hurt me You came back to me You left me You are mine." Within each of these statements lies a different love, a different truth, and a different relationship between the three women in the novel. Sethe believes Beloved is her lost daughter that she alone can protect and nourish. Sethe, in feeling like she needs to atone for the lost time in loving Beloved, pours all of herself into Beloved until her love is sapped dry. Denver also sees Beloved as her sister, at first this perception causes her to be obsessive of her and jealous of Beloved's time and love. As the novel progresses the truth of Beloved's malevolent intentions are made clear to Denver, transforming both her perception of truth and her love of Beloved.

The Stranger

How does the perception of truth affect love?

Albert Camus wrote the novel, The Stranger, in an attempt to speak of the great importance of truth in society. His character, Mersault, ends up being executed, on a deeper level, because of truth and how he didn't conform to the societal standards of emotion, regret, and confession. Mersault does not share with emotional levels of most members of society, thus when he seemingly just shows apathy throughout his whole criminal trial and in his relationshps, he is isolated. Mersault's perception of truth does not align with that of society; while society practices a belief that truth is slightly tainted and can be swayed in order to produce desired results such as freedom, the approval of others, or the easy way out, Mersault holds to truth as an absolute entity. As Mersault shares his anti-social thoughts and feelings, the public hates him for it, finding that the only way they can eliminate this individual who is so different than themselves is to execute him. In another sense, the reader is drawn to this character not necessarily out of love for him but rather an interest in his truthful behavior, however disturbing. Some of the comments or thoughts Mersault has are so simplisitic, so truthful they are similar to that of a child, except for the lack of morality. Camus explores society's relationship to truth, repression, and distortion of it.

The Metamorphosis

How does the perception of truth affect love?

In this novel by Franz Kafka, the main character and narrator Gregor Samsa transforms into a giant insect and the novel follows the result this has on both him and his family. Gregor's sister, Grete, at first is the one individual who cares for Gregor and provides him with a connection to the world outside of his room transformed prison. As the novel progresses, the perception of truth and its relationship to love become a vital theme and component. Grete and the rest of Gregor's family begin to see him as only an insect, rather than their son or brother. This percieved truth that Gregor is no longer Gregor causes them all to treat him with disdain bitterness. Grete verbalizes all this when she exclaims, " things can't go on like this. Maybe you don't realize it, but I do. I won't pronounce the name of my brother in front of this monster, and so all I say is: we have to try to get rid of it" (Kafka 48). It is clear that she hates the transformed Gregor because her truth is that he is a vermin, ruining her life and thus cannot expect to receive any love from her. This view is shared by Gregor's parents, more reluctantly and not as blatantly but their lack of love is there all the same. This change of love because of a new perception of truth marks the transformation of Gregor's family, which unlike Gregor's physical metamorphosis is one of character and emotion.