Names In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon

Words: 284

Pages: 2

Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon uses names in many different ways to convey characters’ traits and personalities. In fact, many of the main characters are given biblical names to highlight the novel’s connection to religion and purity. However, the few characters that are not represented as biblical allusions serve a definitive purpose in Morrison’s novel, as they emphasize the detachment from others. In Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison utilizes the nickname of the protagonist, Milkman, in order to develop his character as rebellious and somewhat distant from his family.
Although Milkman was assigned this nickname, it largely represents his differences from everyone else in his family. The majority of the Dead family has biblical names, such

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The Mythology In Richard Wagner's Song Of Solomon

The author gives the example of Richard Wagner, a nineteenth-century composer, whose operas were inspired by Germanic myths. Another example is in Toni Morrison’s, Song of Solomon, where she uses an old myth from her tribe in her story. By doing this the author takes something that matters to her community, the myth, and shows the importance through her story. He shares that in the town where he grew up there were various Greek influences all around him. He said that the college teams were called…

Words 214 - Pages 1

Who Is Pilate In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon

In the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Morrison writes of many characters, but primarily focuses on telling the tale of the Dead family. Many of the characters receive their names not only for their biblical reference, but also because due to the specific traits they accurately display throughout the novel as the story continues. For example, Morrison’s character Pilate is named for her ability to “fly” and be in control of her own life. In the novel, Pilate is free. She proudly lives her…

Words 254 - Pages 2

Song Of Solomon

Song of Solomon begins and ends with an indirect reference to a traditional African American tale; a tale vital in African American communities. However, in addition, Song of Solomon is infused with classic childhood Euro- American fables and folktales that people often hear and read about growing up. Morrison alludes to many Brother Grimm tales throughout the novel as well, for example, Morrison uses the very familiar story of Rumpelstiltskin folktale at the beginning of Song of Solomon. Rumpelstiltskin…

Words 1580 - Pages 7

Song Of Solomon Milkman Character Analysis

The utilization of Milkman’s mental reconciliation in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon makes evident the necessitative act of escaping one’s sheltered lifestyle in order to acquisite self awareness. Since birth, the confliction of responsibility has never been an issue for Milkman. The fabrications of Milkman’s name simply come from the non existence of responsibility in his life because of his upbringing, upperclass. The existence of responsibility does not become apparent until Milkman is destined…

Words 613 - Pages 3

Song Of Solomon Literary Analysis

53-55 of Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, Morrison characterizes Macon Dead II as reminiscent for the purpose of uncovering the Dead's family history. At this point in the text, Macon's son, Milkman, is beginning to seek answers about his family and, to his father's dismay, Milkman turns to his sister, Pilate. Macon Dead II reflects on his past, telling Milkman that "everything bad that ever happened [to his father was] because he couldn't read" (53), as evidenced by how he lost his name, and how…

Words 308 - Pages 2

Pilate In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon

In Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon Pilate Dead is an extraordinary woman. Ironically, Pilate is named after Pontius Pilate in the Bible after her mother dies giving birth to her. The name was chosen in the Bible by her grieving illiterate father who selects a name from the Bible without being able to read it. Pilate is shunned by her brother Macon and she is the outcast of the Macon Family. Pilate with a snuffbox earring in her ear is unique. She has traveled around the world, and not to mention…

Words 2558 - Pages 11