Milkman is considered the protagonist of the novel by critics who view Song of Solomon primarily as a coming-of-age story. Milkman is born into the noble lineage of a prominent Black doctor and a wealthy landowner. He shares characteristics with heroes ranging from Odysseus, in Homer’s Odyssey, to Holden Caulfield, in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Both Odysseus and Milkman search for their ancestral homes. And like Holden Caulfield, Milkman makes his most important journey inside his soul as he grows from an egotistical young man into a compassionate adult.
Prior to this transformation, Milkman is a selfish young man who lacks any consideration for others. Although he fits in at upscale parties, Milkman feels alienated by his family, other -African-Americans of all classes, and humanity in general. He is also physically different from the people around him, since he has an undersized leg. Since Milkman is able to conceal his leg, he believes that he can also hide his emotional shortcomings. Other characters, however, are aware of Milkman’s oddities. His mother’s guests comment that he is a strange child and his schoolmates frequently tease him and beat him. Even when Milkman is a grown man, his behavior is much different from that of the rest of his community. He even walks against the flow of traffic on the street. Although Milkman is flawed, his family loves him unconditionally. Milkman does not return their love, and causes them much pain.
Milkman’s distorted personality is not entirely his fault. Morrison shows us that generations of slavery and abuse have played a part in developing Milkman’s selfish personality. Milkman’s immaturity stems directly from the enslavement and ensuing escape of his great-grandfather, Solomon. Because Solomon escaped, Milkman’s grandfather, Macon Dead I, grew up an orphan. In turn, Macon Dead I’s son, Macon Jr., witnesses white men murder his father. Macon Jr. never fully recovers from witnessing his father’s death; he becomes a greedy, vicious man who raises his own son, Milkman, to share those characteristics. The racism that has afflicted Milkman’s ancestors is partially responsible for Milkman’s own selfishness. Milkman is finally able to heal his wounds by traveling to Shalimar, the site of Solomon’s flight toward liberty.
My background in literary analysis and critical discourse places me squarely in a realm where the novel "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison is a familiar territory. Critics and scholars have deeply explored this seminal work, particularly emphasizing Milkman Dead's evolution as a character and the interwoven themes of ancestry, identity, and societal influences.
Milkman Dead, the protagonist, undergoes a transformative journey, emblematic of the archetypal hero's quest. Morrison crafts Milkman's narrative against a backdrop that parallels and references classical and modern literary figures, lending depth and complexity to his character.
Let's delve into the concepts within the article:
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Coming-of-Age Story: This novel is often interpreted as a coming-of-age tale, tracing Milkman's growth from self-absorption to empathy, from alienation to connection. His personal evolution mirrors the universal journey from adolescence to adulthood.
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Ancestry and Identity: Milkman's lineage, rooted in a noble yet troubled ancestry, is pivotal to understanding his character. His family's history, shaped by slavery, escape, and trauma, significantly influences his behavior and worldview.
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Literary Archetypes: Comparisons to literary figures like Odysseus from Homer's "Odyssey" and Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" highlight Milkman's quest for identity and belonging. His search for ancestral home mirrors Odysseus's journey, while his internal growth resembles Holden Caulfield's introspective exploration.
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Alienation and Selfishness: Milkman's initial egotism and detachment from his community stem from his sense of otherness and physical differences. His struggles with identity and emotional concealment manifest in his behavior, causing him to feel disconnected even within his own family.
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Generational Trauma: Morrison skillfully portrays how historical trauma, particularly stemming from slavery and its aftermath, permeates Milkman's family lineage. The legacy of trauma shapes attitudes, behaviors, and the emotional landscape of successive generations.
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Healing and Redemption: Milkman's journey to Shalimar symbolizes his quest for personal redemption and healing. By confronting the site of Solomon's escape, Milkman ultimately reconciles his past, finds closure, and undergoes a profound transformation.
Toni Morrison's masterful storytelling intertwines these themes, portraying Milkman's evolution as a microcosm of broader societal issues and the enduring impact of historical legacies on individual lives.
