Toni Morrison uses a variety of literary techniques in the novel Beloved, however, the most dominant technique is that of magical realism. The term magical realism was created in the early 20th century and originally described a new style of painting, but was later applied to fiction (Faris 1). This technique blends realistic narrative with supernatural elements such that the reader does not question the impossibility of these events. Magical realism in the novel Beloved demonstrates three main concepts: the concept of love; the destructive impact of slavery; and the impact of traumatic memory on the human psyche. Beloved is written using a non-linear narrative style to tell the story of Sethe, an escaped slave, who is literally haunted by her past after attempting to kill her children with a hacksaw. Sethe only manages to kill Beloved, her newborn daughter. The beloved's spirit haunts Sethe's house until Paul D, a friend from the plantation, arrives unexpectedly and successfully exorcises the spirit. Later, when a young woman bearing the name Beloved physically appears in the lives of Sethe, Paul D, and Sethe's other daughter, Denver, magical realism allows the reader to recognize that this woman is the reincarnation of Sethe's murdered daughter who returned from the dead as an adult. Beloved appears to be innocent and vulnerable at the beginning, but is revealed to be powerful and malignant in the novel's conclusion. Not only does Morrison's use of magical realism allow the reader to immediately become familiar with Beloved's ghost, but it also provides a framework for the paranormal activity that occurs throughout the story. Morrison opens the story by describing 124, the house where Sethe lives with her daughter De...... middle of paper......ed, seems like it never existed. His life goes unrecorded and goes unrecognized once forgotten. As painful as memories often are, they serve as a testimony to life, a sign of existence, and make people and events immortal. Since Beloved is not remembered, she never existed. Conclusion In conclusion, Morison's novel shares the message of how significant the past is in our lives in the present. Additionally, the author talks about the negative impact of unresolved pain and trauma. In conclusion, magical realism is used throughout the novel such that Morrison's universal message of unconditional love and the harmful impact of trauma has on human consciousness. Morrison's use of magic Realism regarding the concept of love shares the message that love takes many forms and that most people do what they can to protect themselves when love is their motivation.