In Toni Morrison's novel Beloved, the emerald closet serves as a refuge for Denver, protecting her from the outside world and the traumatic events of her past. The closet is a space in the woods by Sethe's house at 124 Bluestone Road, where Denver spends much of her alone time. Morrison first introduces the emerald closet location in the third chapter of the novel, noting how the “emerald light” (34) surrounded Denver when she stood up in the room. The light being described as emerald evokes the feeling that the area in which Denver spends her time is somewhat mystical and magical. This emerald closet appears to be somewhat supernatural in the way that Morrison describes it. Potentially, the way in which the emerald closet is supernatural is …show more content…
Because Denver’s siblings have either left or died, she grew up alone with her Sethe. This loneliness deeply affected Denver as she grew up, however, one place where she could go to find peace was this spot in the woods, the emerald closet. Morrison reveals how “In that bower, closed off from the hurt of the hurt world, Denver’s imagination produced its own hunger and its own food, which she badly needed because loneliness wore her out. Wore Her Out. Veiled and protected by the live green walls she felt ripe and clear, and salvation was as easy as a wish,” (35) depicting how safe the emerald closet makes Denver feel. The emerald closet blocks all of the danger of the outside world. The trees that makeup the emerald closet symbolize both growth and renewal for Denver. The space also serves as a shield from the prying eyes and judgment of the outside world as the trees conceal Denver from this judgment. Furthermore, the emerald closet becomes a symbol of Denver's growing independence and strength. As she spends more time in the emerald closet she learns to rely on herself and develops a sense of self-sufficiency. She also discovers the power of her own voice, singing to herself and finding solace in the sound. In many ways, the emerald closet represents the resiliency of the human spirit, and the ways in which individuals can find strength and …show more content…
The instant feeling of comfort envelops me as I step across the threshold. The carpet that I step onto is soft, cradling my feet with each proceeding motion. With the sun reflecting off of them, the gray walls of my room invite me to stay for a deal of time. The sight and feeling of the carpet, the sunlight, the walls, and my bed put me at ease. As I stroll towards my navy blue bed, the tv and Xbox to my left tempt me and the desk in the corner remind me of the unfinished homework that I need to complete. At this moment, however, nothing appears more important to me than laying down and finding some rest. The busy schedule of high school does not allow me ample time to spend on my own, lounging. The thick walls of my room block out any distractions or stress that may try to enter my mind. The rays of sunlight that shoot through the window warm my face as I peer out onto the street, a sight full of other houses, but also trees and grass. In the spring, the pink of the cherry blossom outside my window illuminates my room with a pink hue as the sunlight reflects inward. All of this light, the quiet, and the lack of distractions cause my room to be a rather serene place to spend