Curated set · answers marked
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, what does the title signify, and how is it linked to the main character Milkman Dead's journey?
Rationale
The title Song of Solomon points to the folk song "O Sugarman," which Milkman hears children singing in Shalimar, Virginia. He ultimately interprets it as a song about his ancestor Solomon (also known as Shalimar), one of the legendary "flying Africans" who literally flew back to Africa. This revelation represents the peak of Milkman's journey toward understanding his identity and connecting with his ancestral roots.
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, what does the name "Macon Dead" signify?
Rationale
The name "Macon Dead" comes from a clerical mistake made by a drunken Union soldier who filled out the family's registration papers after emancipation. The soldier mistakenly wrote "Dead" as the last name and "Macon" (the place of origin) as the first name. Despite recognizing the error, the family chose to keep it — a detail Morrison uses to delve into themes of identity, history, and the legacy of slavery.
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, what does the name "Macon Dead" signify?
Rationale
The name "Macon Dead" comes from a mix-up made by a drunken Union soldier who was registering freed slaves at the Freedmen's Bureau. He mistakenly wrote "Macon" (the location of the ancestor) as a first name and "Dead" (indicating the father's status) as a last name. The family decided to keep the name, and throughout the novel, Morrison uses it to delve into themes of identity, history, and the impact of slavery.