The Song of Solomon

So far, in the Song of Solomon, a major theme that is developed by Toni Morrison is the idea of “finding yourself” and character transformation. In the racially segregated society that this story takes place in, many characters struggle to find their place in society. One such character is Milkman, who doesn’t quite fit in anywhere. He doesn’t fit in the white society because he is African American, but he doesn’t fit in with the African American community either because of his differing socioeconomic status. Because Milkman’s father is wealthy, he has power and Milkman is unable to relate to the conflicts other African Americans face. For instance, when he traveled to Philadelphia, he unknowingly insults Mr. Solomon and the other men at the store. When Milkman was talking about how his car broke down and may need some repairs, he concludes that he will just buy another one. This comment isn’t unusual to him as he has the financial resources to do so. However, he fails to recognize that other African Americans don’t have the financial resources and they view him as someone who doesn’t value money. Therefore, because Milkman doesn’t really fit in with any group in society he feels isolated. Toni Morrison portrays his isolation by writing, “There were no cars and the street lights were on, now that darkness had come, but the sidewalk on the other side of the street was completely empty...not a soul” (Morrison 78).

Due to his isolation from both societies, Milkman struggles to find his place and to discover himself. So far, Milkman has traveled into a more mature and understanding character. In the beginning of the novel, he disregards other people and only looks after himself. Also, he is incredibly showy and often struts. Toni Morrison shows this by writing that Milkman’s left leg was shorter than his right leg, a position in which is often used to strut. In another incident, while he is sitting at a bar with Guitar and other African Americans who are talking about the murder of Emmet Till, Milkman regards the murder as Emmet Till’s own fault. He says that Emmet Till should’ve behaved better if he wanted to be safe. Despite Guitar’s insistence and explanations, Milkman doesn’t change his opinion. However, later in the book, we see Milkman’s self development and transformation. For one, Milkman notices that his legs are no longer unequal, signifying that Milkman no longer shows off or struts. Also, while reflecting on an incident that happened, he regards that “the tub was uncomfortable, too short for him to stretch out, though he remembered when he could almost swim in it” (Morrison 209). This is symbolic of his newfound open-mindedness and his ability to understand and emphasize situations. At this time, he realizes that African Americans are targeted just for who they are. With this mindset, Milkman would’ve never concluded that the murder of Emmet Till was Emmet’s fault. He comes to this realization after he and Guitar were pulled over by the police just because they were African American: they weren’t doing anything wrong. After all his epiphanies about life, Milkman decides that his town and neighborhood are no longer big enough to contain his emotions, thoughts and feelings. He then pleads to his father to let him leave home so that he can begin a new life that’s different from his parents’. Perhaps, he is in search of a new place; one that can contain his aspirations and offer a new future.