Song of Solomon

**Quiz Question — *Song of Solomon* by Toni Morrison** 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? - A) The title refers to a biblical love poem that Milkman recites to his lover Hagar throughout the novel. - B) The title alludes to an African American folk song about the myth of flying Africans, which Milkman eventually learns is tied to his own family history. - C) The title refers to a song created by Milkman's father, Macon Dead, as a tribute to his lost homeland in the South. - D) The title refers to a hymn sung at the funeral of Milkman's ancestor Solomon, which serves as the novel's climactic scene. **Correct Answer: B** **Explanation:** 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.

ap_lit · common_core_ela · ib_english

**Quiz Question — *Song of Solomon* by Toni Morrison** In Toni Morrison's *Song of Solomon*, what does the name "Macon Dead" signify? A) It was a name chosen by Macon's father to honor a deceased ancestor. B) It was recorded incorrectly by a drunken Union soldier during the post-Civil War registration of freed slaves, and the family decided to keep it. C) It was a name Macon selected for himself as a symbol of rebirth after escaping slavery. D) It was given to Macon by the community as a nickname reflecting his cold, emotionless personality. **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* 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.

ap_lit · common_core · ib_lang_lit

**Quiz Question — *Song of Solomon* by Toni Morrison** In Toni Morrison's *Song of Solomon*, what does the name "Macon Dead" signify? A) It was chosen by Macon's father to honor a deceased ancestor. B) It was mistakenly recorded by a drunken Union soldier who misheard information at the Freedmen's Bureau, and the family kept it. C) It was a name Macon chose for himself as a symbol of his break from slavery. D) It was given by a plantation owner to strip the family of their African heritage. **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* 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.

ap_lit · common_core_ela · ib_lang_lit