She did not tell them to clean up their lives, or go and sin no more. She did not tell them they were the blessed of the earth, its inheriting meek, or its glory-bound pure. She told them that the only grace they could have is the grace they could imagine. That if they could not see it, they could not have it.
In the passage from Toni Morrison's "Beloved," the protagonist communicates a powerful message about the nature of grace. Rather than instructing others to reformat their lives or pursue a conventional morality, she emphasizes that grace is subjective and reliant on personal perception. It's not about conforming to societal ideals of righteousness but about the individual’s capacity to envision their own possibilities for grace.
This perspective suggests that grace is not an external gift bestowed upon the 'worthy' but something that emerges from within. If one lacks the ability to imagine a more compassionate self or a better life, then they will struggle to experience that grace. Morrison's words encourage readers to recognize their own potential for growth and redemption, highlighting the importance of imagination in achieving a fulfilling life.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
