In Toni Morrison's novel "Beloved," the quote reflects themes of identity and belonging. The phrase "my people, which were not my people" underscores a sense of estrangement and disconnection that characters experience, particularly former enslaved individuals grappling with their past. It signifies the struggle to find a place within a community when one's identity has been shaped by trauma and loss.
Furthermore, the mention of "her beloved, which was not beloved" delves into the complex nature of relationships affected by history and suffering. It suggests that love is often intertwined with pain, and what one holds dear may be rooted in experiences that complicate genuine affection. This tension between love and loss is central to understanding the emotional depth of the characters' journeys in "Beloved."