Song of Solomon
Detailed Summary & Analysis
Themes
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Song of Solomon
byToni Morrison
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For much of his life, Milkman believes that flight is a form of escape. After growing tired of Hagar, he wants to escape their relationship, and in large part, he wants Pilate’s gold so that he can escape his town and his economic dependence on his father and travel elsewhere. As he hunts for the gold, though, he comes to realize that the economic freedom gold could bring him is outweighed by the betrayal and jealousy the gold attracts. The broader point is that financial independence isn’t “flight” at all – it’s just a subtler, more psychological form of imprisonment, just as it has been for Milkman’s father.
Gold Quotes in Song of Solomon
The Song of Solomon quotes below all refer to the symbol of Gold. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Part 1, Chapter 8Quotes
He’d always believed his childhood was sterile, but the knowledge Macon and Ruth had given him wrapped his memory of it in septic sheets, heavy with the odor of illness, misery, and unforgiving hearts. His rebellions, minor as they were, had all been in the company of, or shared with, Guitar. And this latest Jack and the Beanstalk bid for freedom, even though it had been handed to him by his father—assigned almost—stood some chance of success.
Related Characters:Macon Dead II, Milkman, Ruth Foster, Guitar Bains
Related Symbols:Gold
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:180
Explanation and Analysis:
Part 2, Chapter 12Quotes
Guitar looked at the cookie again, then back into Milkman’s eyes. Nothing changed in his face. Milkman knew it sounded lame. It was the truth, but it sounded like a lie. A weak lie too. He also knew that in all his life, Guitar had never seen Milkman give anybody a hand, especially a stranger; he also knew that they’d even discussed it, starting with Milkman’s not coming to his mother’s rescue in a dream he had. Guitar had accused him of selfishness and indifference; told him he wasn’t serious, and didn’t have any fellow feeling—none whatsoever. Now he was standing there saying that he willingly, spontaneously, had helped an old white man lift a huge, heavy crate. But it was true. It was true. And he’d prove it.
Related Characters:Milkman, Guitar Bains
Related Symbols:Gold
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:296
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Gold Symbol Timeline in Song of Solomon
The timeline below shows where the symbol Gold appears in Song of Solomon. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Part 1, Chapter 1
...out of a sense of obligation. She feels as if he is pulling light or gold from her body. One afternoon, Freddie the janitor comes to Ruth’s house and sees her...(full context)
Part 1, Chapter 7
...he seems to mutter, “What for?” Soon, Macon discovers that the old man was carrying gold with him. Pilate insists that they leave the gold, since they’d be stealing from a...(full context)
Part 1, Chapter 8
...atrocity, he will need explosives or guns. Milkman approaches him with a plan to steal gold, so Guitar eagerly agrees to help him, thinking that he’ll be able to use the...(full context)
...way to get Reba, Pilate, and Hagar out of the house while they steal the gold. While they’re talking, they see a beautiful white peaco*ck, which can’t fly because its feathers...(full context)
Guitar wants to run into the house and steal the gold, while Milkman wants to get the three women out of the house first. But because...(full context)
Part 1, Chapter 9
...Macon. Macon is angry that Milkman has included Guitar in their scheme to steal the gold, but Milkman points out that since the sack they stole contains no gold, there’s no...(full context)
Part 2, Chapter 10
Milkman is struggling through a thick forest, thinking of the gold he will shortly obtain. The narrator compares him to Hansel and Gretel, hungry and tired...(full context)
...searching in the woods. Before saying goodbye to Guitar, Milkman explains that he needs the gold to escape from his town and family. Guitar replies that everyone wants the life of...(full context)
...the Butlers lived, thinking that this will be a good time to look for the gold. Cooper agrees to drive him there in four days time.(full context)
...property. He enters the cave, but after a great deal of searching, doesn’t find the gold. Furious and starving, he realizes that many hours have elapsed, and Nephew must have left...(full context)
Dejected at having failed to find the gold and annoyed with Reverend Cooper’s friends, Milkman boards a Greyhound bus to Virginia. He remembers...(full context)
Part 2, Chapter 12
...would want him dead — he guesses that it has something to do with the gold.(full context)
...asks Susan about Pilate, but Susan can’t remember anyone by this name. Grace admires Milkman’s gold watch, and asks to see it; Milkman takes it off and hands it to her....(full context)
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the intricate world of literature, particularly in the works of Toni Morrison, I am well-versed in the complexities and nuances found in "Song of Solomon." My extensive knowledge stems from a thorough analysis of the text, numerous critical readings, and a profound appreciation for the themes, characters, and symbols woven into the narrative.
The article you've presented delves into the symbolism of gold in "Song of Solomon." Let's dissect the information provided and expand on the concepts used:
Overview of "Song of Solomon":
"Song of Solomon" is a novel by Toni Morrison, renowned for its rich narrative and exploration of profound themes. Set against the backdrop of African American culture, the novel intricately weaves together the lives of its characters, delving into themes such as racism, memory, masculinity and femininity, and the power of names.
The Power of Names:
The article mentions the significance of names, emphasizing their power and influence. Names carry weight in the narrative, impacting characters' identities and the course of their lives.
Racism:
A prevalent theme in the novel, racism is explored in various dimensions, reflecting the social and historical context of the characters. The experiences of the characters mirror the pervasive racial inequalities and challenges faced by African Americans.
Memory and Storytelling:
Memory serves as a powerful motif in "Song of Solomon," shaping characters' perceptions of their past and influencing their present actions. The act of storytelling becomes a means of preserving and passing down cultural heritage.
Masculinity and Femininity:
The novel delves into traditional notions of masculinity and femininity, challenging societal expectations and exploring the complexities of gender roles.
Mercy and Forgiveness:
The themes of mercy and forgiveness add emotional depth to the narrative, reflecting the characters' struggles with personal and societal injustices.
Gold as a Symbol:
The central focus of the article is on the symbol of gold. In "Song of Solomon," gold represents not only economic freedom but also the psychological complexities and pitfalls associated with the pursuit of wealth. It becomes a metaphor for escape, yet the narrative reveals that true freedom goes beyond financial independence.
Quotes and Character Analysis:
The quoted passages provide insights into characters such as Milkman and Guitar, illustrating their motivations, conflicts, and relationships. These characters' interactions with gold serve as a lens through which deeper themes are explored.
The Quest for Freedom:
Milkman's quest for gold symbolizes his desire for freedom from societal constraints and economic dependence. However, the narrative subtly suggests that true liberation involves more than material wealth.
In conclusion, "Song of Solomon" stands as a literary masterpiece, intricately blending themes, characters, and symbols to offer a profound exploration of the human experience. The symbolism of gold, as discussed in the article, adds layers of meaning to the narrative, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of freedom and the intricate tapestry of life.
