Thoughts

There seems to be a recurring theme throughout the pages of the novel. Racism is constant through the use of the rude names and other references. I think that because of the time period, the differences between blacks and whites are evidently going to be shown. Stingo's grandmother had slaves, which to him seems like something that is so unbelievable and unethical. To people today, slavery seems like an aspect of the past, however this book really touches base with the issues of people in the earlier days.

Another issue that bothered me was the relationship between Nathan and Sophie. While Nathan is very controlling, Sophie continues to stay with him. I don't understand how anyone could stay with someone who not only yells, but puts them down at the same time. Sophie seemed like a weak child, beckoning Nathan to come back when he stormed out the building in a rage. I feel as though Nathan has made her that way, completely stripping Sophie of any integrity and self confidence she has or had. I do believe that Sophie's past has something to do with her weak personality and continuous weeping though. In my opinion however, it's ridiculous how people stay with abusers or people that hurt them physically or mentally or both. It takes strength to be that person who walks away and say "I don't need this or want this" and that person should be looked upon as amazing.