Song of Solomon: Analysis of Major Characters
"Song of Solomon: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex relationships and personal journeys of several key figures in Toni Morrison's novel. The protagonist, Macon Dead III, known as Milkman, begins as a self-absorbed young man shaped by the oppressive dynamics of his family, particularly under the stern authority of his father, Macon Dead II. This wealthy but emotionally distant man prioritizes material wealth over familial bonds. In contrast, Milkman's aunt, Pilate, offers a nurturing presence, rooted in family and folk wisdom, guiding Milkman toward a deeper understanding of his heritage. Milkman's mother, Ruth, struggles with her own frailty and is marked by a history of emotional abuse, which contributes to Milkman’s sense of identity.
The narrative also explores the impact of love and obsession through Hagar, Milkman's devoted cousin who ultimately descends into madness due to his rejection. Guitar Baines, Milkman’s childhood friend, embodies the tension of racial justice and vengeance, becoming an adversary as their paths diverge over a quest for ancestral gold. Meanwhile, Milkman's sisters, Lena and First Corinthians, represent the quiet struggles and journeys of women in a patriarchal household. Together, these characters illuminate themes of identity, heritage, and the search for meaning within the African American experience.
Song of Solomon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Toni Morrison
First published: 1977
Genre: Novel
Locale: Detroit, Michigan
Plot: Bildungsroman
Time: The first half of the twentieth century, the days immediately after the Civil War, and particularly the late 1950's and early 1960's
Macon Dead III, also known as Milkman, the protagonist, a black man in his twenties who grows up when he discovers his connection with his ancestors, especially the founder of his family, his great-grandfather, Solomon. At first, Milkman is a spoiled, self-centered, confused, and immature boy affected greatly by the tense atmosphere of his unhappy home and family. Milkman's family is ruled by his domineering and unsympathetic father, who has no interest in his past and his family heritage. Milkman, however, with the help of his aunt, Pilate, and his friend, Guitar, manages to complete his journey of cultural, historical, and personal discovery with satisfaction even though it puts his life in jeopardy at the conclusion of the novel.
Macon Dead II, Milkman's materialistic and unsympathetic father. He is the richest black man in town and cares nothing for people in general, including his wife, daughters, and sister. He rules his household autocratically. His primary interest is in obtaining money and land, and he admonishes Milk-man to make this his primary goal.
Ruth Foster Dead, Milkman's mother. She is dominated first by her father and then by her husband, Macon Dead II, who rejects her and abuses her physically and mentally. She is spiritually frail and weak. She focuses her life on a water mark on her dining room table and clandestine visits to her father's grave. She is the reason that her son acquired the nickname Milkman—from her extended nursing of him in an attempttoholdontohersoninsomeway.
Pilate, Milkman's aunt and Macon Dead II's sister. Her outstanding physical feature is the absence of a navel, supposedly because her mother died before Pilate was born. She lives with her daughter and grandmother in complete absence of all the material things that her brother finds so necessary. Her value system is in complete opposition to all that her brother and her nephew, at first, find important. She represents family and folk values and aids Milkman in his quest for identity. She also symbolizes humanistic values in that she aids Ruth before the birth of Milkman, enabling her through folk charms to achieve a third pregnancy in spite of the past rejection of her husband. She also aids Ruth in bringing about Milkman's safe birth.
Reba Dead, Pilate's daughter, a lesser version of her mother. Unlike her mother, Reba has little strength of character and no folk wisdom. Like her mother, she has little regard for materialist things and is unselfish and giving. In the household of Pilate, Reba, and Hagar, Milkman finds warmth, love, and a safe harbor until he can begin his quest.
Hagar Dead, Pilate's granddaughter and Milkman's cousin, who becomes Milkman's lover. Like her mother and grandmother, she is unmaterialistic. She gives Milkman her complete love and devotion. She is finally spurned by Milkman and attempts to kill him several times, but she can never carry out her murderous intentions. She believes that Milkman rejects her because her hair and skin are too dark. Finally, she becomes insane and dies of unrequited love.
Guitar Baines, a young black man who is a bit older than Milkman and befriends Milkman as a young boy. Guitar and Milkman become best friends, and their friendship grows throughout their youth and young adulthood. Guitar becomes a member of the Seven Days, a racial consciousness group that takes revenge for the unjust murder of African Americans by killing white people. He and Milkman become enemies during their search for gold that they believe was hidden by Milkman's ancestor. At the conclusion of the novel, Guitar is trying to murder Milkman.
Magdelena (Lena) Dead and First Corinthians Dead, Milkman's boring and dominated sisters. Lena eventually rebels and leaves her parents' household.