Which literary theme is predominant in "Beloved"?

In "Beloved" by Toni Morrison, the predominant theme is the impact of the past on the present. The novel explores the haunting legacy of slavery and how it affects the lives of the characters, particularly Sethe, who struggles with the memories of her traumatic past. The ghost of her deceased daughter, Beloved, symbolizes the unresolved pain and guilt that continues to influence Sethe's identity and relationships. The novel intricately weaves together memory and trauma, showcasing how the characters grapple with their histories while trying to live in the present. This theme emphasizes that the past is never truly gone; it shapes individuals and communities in profound ways. The other options, while they may appear in the story, do not encapsulate the central focus of the narrative as powerfully as the exploration of how history and trauma linger and impact current realities.