Song of Solomon

Executive Summary

The epigraph of this novel goes like, "The fathers may soar/ And the children may know their names." In the cast of characters done by Morrison the significance of naming and names is engraved in the ability of the name which can reveal or make clear the hidden truths about the identity of that person. In 1977, this book also won the National Book Critics Circle Award in the category of fiction. Song of Solomon is now taught in a number of institutions, and appeared once again on the list of Best Book Sellers because Oprah Winfrey included this novel in her book club. It is considered to be the best book ever written by Morrison which is still admired by the readers. Described in the figurative association with a peacock, Milkman was a flightless bird, in the beginning, searching for colored and golden ancestry, under the burden of his pride. Nevertheless, the only way he can rise above the societal prejudices, and can truly fly in his is to surrender to the air. One of the major themes of this novel is the quest of Milkman which he carries out to gain recognition as an African in the American society of the 20th Century. In this regard he tries to join together the history of his ancestors slowly and gradually. He succeeded in this quest by exploring the past of his father and his father's sister, so as to find out his genesis

Introduction

The Song of Solomon is the third novel by Tom Morrison written in 1977. This novel was openly highly praised as mythical and magical and to have power and attractiveness in theme and percentage. The story of this novel has its origin to an African American folktale. This folktale was related to the African-American slaves who had the freedom to fly back to their country whenever they want. This folktale is fictionalized by Morrison by introducing the character of Solomon who was Dead III's great-grandfather. The main character or the protagonist of the novel, Macon Dead III was the first African baby ever to born at the Mercy Hospital. This hospital is also referred to as No Mercy by the African American people living in Michigan. Dead III was born on the day when the protection men embarked on a plane from the steeple. The first section of the novel encompasses the story about Dead III and his family. Because of his mother's unnecessary and extensive nursing, he was known as Milkman Dead.

Dead grew up in an environment in which he had a materialistic, abusive and hungry dad, an unreceptive mother and sisters who were discouraged and quiet. The grandfather of Dead III, Macon Dead I, was assaulted by white people who wanted to get hold of his house. Dead I left behind two children Dead III's father Macon and his sister Pilate. The white men who killed their father looked for them and forced these children to assassin a white man. This event ...