The quote "Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined" from Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved" highlights the idea that those who create definitions hold power over how individuals and experiences are understood. It suggests that the perspectives and biases of the definers shape perceptions, often ignoring the true essence of the defined. This theme is central to the novel, which explores the complexities of identity and the impact of historical trauma on people, particularly within the context of slavery.

Morrison’s work emphasizes the struggle for self-definition and the reclamation of voice by those who have been marginalized. By asserting that definitions originate from the definers, she calls attention to the importance of crafting one's own identity rather than accepting external labels. This resonates with the broader narrative of the novel, where characters seek to confront and redefine their pasts and forge their future on their own terms, aiming for authenticity in a world that attempts to impose its own definitions upon them.