What is the significance of the number 124? Is the number 124 merely a place or can it actually be characterized as something more important in this novel? In my opinion 124 is more significant than a simple address. The number 124 can be characterized as one of the main characters within the novel. This number is not only significant because it is the origin of the haunting character of Beloved, but it is in fact Beloved the character at various points within the novel. Once the spirit of Beloved began haunting the house, the address lost its existence as an anonymous home. Once Sethe's love had caused her to murder her child, her home became a new identity. This identity was known for the sad and spiteful spirit of the child and the horrific actions that had occurred at the address rather than the home of the well-loved Baby Suggs and her daughter-in-law.
             Toni Morrison portrays the importance and the significance of 124 in the story within the first few lines: "124 was spiteful. Full of a baby's venom. The women in the house knew it and so did the children. For years each put up with the spite in his won way, but by 1873 Sethe and her daughter were its only victims"(11). Although it is not yet apparent to the reader who or what 124 is, it is apparent that 124 plays an important role in the novel. As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that 124 and Beloved are one identity. The object 124 that is "full of a baby's venom..." and is considered "spiteful" is in fact the spirit of Beloved.
             Something important to keep in mind when considering Beloved's role in this novel is to consider Beloved's place in both Denver and Sethe's life as a spirit versus Beloved's identity as a person of flesh. When Beloved is identified as the ghostly spirit that is haunting 124, she is thought to be angry and vengeful. Sethe seems to live
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