Symbolism in Beloved by Toni MorrisonToni Morrison enhances the effectiveness of Beloved with symbolism. This symbolism has a myriad of origins and forms. The numerical symbols come from astrological sources, while the character names are allusions to ancient Egyptian mythology, the Bible, and African culture. Additionally, important color symbols are noticeable throughout the novel. From the beginning of Beloved, the number 124 is distinguishable. In fact, he appears as the first character in every book in the novel. As the address of the house where most of the plot takes place, this number is extremely important. According to astrology, the numbers 1, 3, 7, and 22 are “endowed with magical powers” ​​(Samuels 135). These magical powers would be symbols of completion and creation. 124 corresponds to this astrological delineation because the sum of the three digits of the number totals the aforementioned 7. Additionally, a significant association between the characters in the novel comes in the form of three people: Sethe, Beloved, and Denver. , the name of the novel's protagonist, Sethe, is associated with "one of the major gods of ancient Egypt and the biblical Seth, who was the child of Adam and Eve" (Samuels 136). This Egyptian god was both man and animal or bird, which explains the animal imagery surrounding Sethe in the novel. For example, when explaining her secret about Beloved to Paul D., Sethe is described as if she were a hawk or a bird circling. Morrison writes, “She just flew…and the hummingbird’s wings flapped” (163). The name Sethe is also unique as a name for a female slave because it is derived from Egyptian and biblical men's names. Morrison uses the name to add to the masculinity of Sethe's character. Sethe's ability to overcome overwhelming tragedies and challenges such as her escape from slavery in Kentucky and the murder of her child identifies her with this quality. Additionally, the name Sixo symbolizes the dehumanization of slaves in the late 19th century. Its name, derived from the number 6, implies that white masters did not regard their slaves with enough respect to recognize them with more than a number. This name change also symbolizes the power slave owners felt in stripping slaves of their individuality. The color distinction in slavery adds to the color symbolism that permeates Beloved..