Why does the narrator keep mentioning the shadow of the three people holding hands at the carnival in Beloved?Specifically, what does this image...

The carnival scene appears to be a symbol of normalcy, and
of family. Paul D. is in high spirits there, and his exuberance influences both Sethe
and Denver;

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"no one, apparently, (was) able to withstand
sharing the pleasure Paul D. was
having."

The repeated
references to the shadow of the three of them holding hands is a sign of hope. The image
symbolizes unity and cohesiveness, and foreshadows that perhaps Sethe and Denver, with
Paul D., might one day become a family.

Sethe in particular
takes note of their shadows. It causes her to entertain the thought
that

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"...maybe...it was a good
sign,"

and consider that
they, the three of them, might at last
find

"A life. Could
be."

Denver, who is so
insecure and jealous of her mother's attention, also finds that her doubts and fears
that Paul D. will be a rival for her mother's affections are lessening. "Soothed by
sugar" and the kindness that Paul D. is showing her, Denver, for the first time dares to
consider that "Paul D. (isn't) all that bad," and that the three of them might work out
after all.