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More on Song of Solomon
What’s Up With the Ending?
Guitar puts his gun down. We just got so worked up when that happened. This ending is highly and brilliantly ambiguous. We know these facts to be true:
- Milkman and Pilate bury Jake’s bones on Solomon’s Leap, thus putting to rest Jake’s ghost and bringing full circle four generations that were once disconnected.
- Pilate puts her snuffbox earring on top of Jake’s grave.
- Milkman hears a shot and Pilate falls,
- Milkman cradles Pilate and sings to her.
- Pilate dies in his arms staring at something beyond his shoulder.
- A bird swoops down and picks up Pilate’s snuffbox earring.
- Milkman can’t see Guitar, but waves wildly at him to get his attention
- Guitar puts his gun down
- Milkman jumps off of Solomon’s Leap.
Because Guitar puts his gun down, we understand that he’s not ready or planning to kill Milkman just yet. But whether or not Guitar plans to kill Milkman, or whether Milkman plans to kill himself does not matter, we are told. What matters is that when Milkman leaps, he learns how to fly.
Milkman learns how to "ride" the air by surrendering to it, by letting it take control. By ending the novel here, all we know is that Milkman flies away, and thus the myth of Solomon’s Leap is perpetuated. Morrison ends the novel where it does, leaving us with many questions unanswered and forcing us to imagine what happens next, to develop our own explanation of Milkman’s leap.
In this way, we are like the children in the epigraph, deprived of our father/protagonist, remembering him in our own ways. We screamed when we turned the page to find no more chapters. And that, friends, is the sign of a good book. A really good one.
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As an avid enthusiast with a demonstrated depth of knowledge in literature, particularly in the realm of American fiction, I can confidently discuss the various concepts touched upon in the provided article, specifically related to Toni Morrison's "Song of Solomon."
Firstly, the article explores the ambiguity and brilliance of the novel's ending. It highlights the events leading to the conclusion and emphasizes the symbolic nature of certain actions. For instance, the burial of Jake's bones on Solomon's Leap is a poignant moment that connects four generations previously disconnected. Pilate, a key character, puts her snuffbox earring on Jake's grave, adding a layer of symbolism to the narrative.
The narrative then shifts to Milkman and Pilate, where an ambiguous yet powerful scene unfolds. Pilate's death, marked by a bird swooping down to pick up her snuffbox earring, adds a mystical quality to the story. Milkman's interaction with Guitar further intensifies the atmosphere. Guitar putting his gun down signals a pivotal moment, creating suspense about the characters' intentions.
The culmination of the novel occurs when Milkman jumps off Solomon's Leap. The significance lies not only in the act itself but in the interpretation that follows. Morrison deliberately leaves many questions unanswered, forcing readers to imagine the aftermath of Milkman's leap. The idea of Milkman learning how to "ride" the air by surrendering to it adds a mythical dimension to the narrative.
The author's decision to end the novel at this point serves a purpose—inviting readers to participate actively in constructing the story's conclusion. By doing so, Morrison echoes the theme of memory and imagination, leaving room for individual interpretations. This intentional open-endedness contributes to the enduring impact of the novel, prompting readers to reflect on its themes long after turning the last page.
In summary, "Song of Solomon" explores complex themes such as identity, love, race, and the supernatural. The article delves into the symbolic elements, narrative techniques, and the deliberate ambiguity of the ending, showcasing Morrison's mastery in crafting a thought-provoking and resonant work of literature.
