How are racism and the institution of slavery presented through the characters by the symbolism associated with Beloved in Toni Morrison's Beloved?

Beloved represents various ways of healing from the wounds of slavery and racism.  Sethe caters to Beloved, trying to establish a relationship with this ghost, to overcome her guilt of killing her daughter to save her from the horrors of slavery at Sweet Home.  Beloved becomes Sethe's obsession and in some ways satisfies Sethe's need to atone for what she has done.  As Beloved grows bigger, however, Sethe weakens.  The community with Denver's help save Sethe by forgiving her.

To Paul D, Beloved is a release from the pent-up emotions that he is sealed in a "tobacco tin."  Paul D, too, suffered at Sweet Home, with a bit in his mouth used for punishment, where even the rooster had more freedom than he did.  He has suppressed these memories along with those of working on the Georgia chain gang.  When he makes love to Beloved, he is finally able to release these emotions and begin to heal.

To Denver, Beloved is a needed playmate.  Denver has been isolated from the community as the daughter of a crazy woman who would kill her own children.  Denver shows the repercussions of slavery on the second generation.  Denver was born free, has not experienced slavery directly, but has suffered from her mother's actions.  Denver becomes absorbed in the sister she never had, and when she is able to relinquish Beloved, she is able to interact with the community once again.