This book often explores the idea of the loss of identity that accompanies slavery. In this passage, Paul D is describing to Sethe what he experienced while wearing an iron bit that schoolteacher puts on him. He begins to compare himself to the rooster sitting on a tub in front of him, and finds that this animal is freer than himself. Morrison uses the description of this experience from Paul D’s perspective and puts the damage wrought by slavery into a new context. Throughout the book, Paul D is constantly questioning his manhood and his value as a person. Paul D’s lack of ownership over himself and lack of control over his ability to think, say, and do what he wants causes him to question whether or not he is a real man, and he loses his