A Mercy Literary Analysis

Throughout A Mercy, there is a reoccurring theme of love. It is exemplified as an extremely complex emotion that can sometimes be masked by anger, violence, jealousy, sacrifice, and resentment. Florens has a deep love for the blacksmith and makes mention of it several times in the story. “Everything I want is west. You. Your talk” (Morrison p. 48) Though she is on a mission for Rebekka’s health, Florens seems to have made her journey about finding the love that she has so often yearned for. Lina describes Floren’s affections for the blacksmith as “crippling” as it is apparent that the love she has for him is one sided. Florens reveals that she is fearful of love as well, fearful of its vulnerability. In fact, the journey itself is symbolic because Florens travels the New World unaccompanied and

Florens’ abandonment issues shape her personality in many ways and creates a yearning to fill the loveless void left by her mother. Florens was a young girl when she witnesses her mother advocate for their separation. Also, she believes that her mother has chosen her baby brother over her which has an impact on her self esteem. It was an event in her life that left her bitter and scarred. Florens perceives her mother’s abandonment as a form of betrayal when in fact it was the ultimate example of love. Florens' mother knows that what her daughter will have to endure as a female slave is something she would never choose nor wish for her daughter to endure. She believes that D' Ortega will abuse and take advantage of Florens just as it was done to her. What is interesting in A Mercy is that one of the most powerful demonstrations of love goes unknown. Love is about making sacrifices to achieve what is best for the other person and Florens mother is a shining example of someone who did just that. Florens’ mother gave her an opportunity at a better life than she would have