In Toni Morrison’s novel “Beloved,” the line “Why? Why does he have to ask? Can’t anybody offer? What’s going on? Since when does a black man come to town have to sleep in a cellar like a dog?” is a powerful critique of racial injustice and the dehumanization of Black individuals in post-Civil War America. This line is spoken by Stamp Paid, reflecting on the indignities and systemic racism faced by Paul D and other freed slaves.

This quote highlights the ongoing struggle for dignity and respect that Black individuals endure, even after emancipation. The fact that Paul D has to ask for basic hospitality underscores the persistent inequality and lack of recognition of Black people’s humanity. The comparison of Paul D sleeping in a cellar “like a dog” starkly illustrates how Black individuals are still treated as less than human, despite their supposed freedom.

Moreover, the line encapsulates the sense of community—or the lack thereof—that should exist among people who have suffered similar fates. It questions the moral decay and the failure of society to extend basic decency to those who have been oppressed. Morrison uses this moment to draw attention to the residual effects of slavery and the continued marginalization and mistreatment of Black people, emphasizing the need for empathy, solidarity, and a reexamination of societal values.