Milkmans Transformation in Toni Morrisons Song of...

Milkmans Transformation in Toni Morrisons Song of Solomon Milkman experiences many changes in behavior throughout the novel Song of Solomon. Until his early thirties most would consider him self centered, or even self-loathing. Until his maturity he is spoiled by his mother Ruth and sisters Lena and Corinthian because he is a male. He is considered wealthy for the neighborhood he grew up in and he doesnt socialize because of this. As a result of his spoiled childhood Milkman takes women for granted. He doesnt consider how his actions affect them. This is shown when he realizes he is bored with his cousin Hagar, whom he has been using for his sexual pleasure for years. Instead of buying her a Christmas gift he gives her cash†¦show more content†¦They are arrested and find only human bones and rocks not gold in the bag, which essentially destroys his sense of flight. His father Macon and aunt Pilate go to the jail to get them released. Pilate performed an aunt Jemima act to assist in their release. Guitar is ashamed of her act but Milkman feels honored ?but the fact that she was both adept at it and willing to do it-for him.? [pg 209] This is when Milkman begins to reveal another side for which he begins to mature and care for others. Which leads him to Pennsylvania, in search of the gold to reach his financial independence. While on his quest for the gold Milkman discovers moral value in his family history. While in Pennsylvania he loses all of his material possessions, which enables him to realize his life shouldn?t revolve around material items and sparks an interest in his family history. From information he gathers while in Pennsylvania he believes the gold he is seeking is in Virginia. While in Virginia Milkman learns he has family history in the town of Shalimar. While in the town Milkman realizes he somehow feels connected to the people there. This is a feeling he never had in his hometown. This connections reminds him of his feelings when he is with his aunt Pilate. This opens a strong need in him to find out about his family?s past. While in Shalimar Milkman stays with a woman by the name of Sweet. They become lovers and for the first time in Milkman?s life he is able toShow MoreRelated Essay on Names in Song of Solomon1485 Words   |  6 PagesThe Importance of Names in Song of Solomon      Ã‚   Abstract:   In Toni Morrisons Song of Solomon, names have great implication.   Language is extremely personal and deeply rooted in culture.   Names are an integral part of language, and they help to establish identity, define personality, and show ownership through formal and informal usage.    Tis but thy name that is my enemy; / Thou art thyself, though not a Montague. / Whats Montague? it is nor hand, nor foot, / Nor arm, nor faceRead MoreEssay on Song of Solomon: A Bildungsroman of Milkman 1092 Words   |  5 PagesIt can be said that Song of Solomon is bildungsroman which is defined by The Encyclopedia Britannica as â€Å"a class of novel that deals with the [coming-of-age or] formative years of an individual†. Furthermore, in a bildungsroman, a main protagonist usually undergoes some transformation after seeking truth or philosophical enlightenment. In Morrison’s novel, the plot follows the main protagonist Milkman as he matures within his community while developing relationships with others and discovering hisRead More Transformation in Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison Essay2042 Words   |  9 Pages  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, the relationships between whites and blacks are a main theme. Throughout the whole novel Morrison adds her own opinions toward the race problems that the characters of Not Doctor Street experience. Poverty is another big issue in the novel and many of the main characters struggle financially. Money becomes a means of escape for many of the characters, especially Milkman and Guitar. For both men their quests for gold leaves them empty handed, but theirRead MoreFlying: The Transformation of Heart, Mind, and Soul Essay1797 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"The fathers may soar and the children may know their names.† This was the basis of Milkman’s discovery of his past, which he would learn about in time. In Toni Morrison’s novel Song of Solomon, Milkman goes through the early, adolescent, and middle stages of his life with little faith in himself, for he cannot fly, nor does he know flight’s true meaning. Mi lkman journeys through his life being selfish and vain because he has yet to discover his true identity. As Milkman grows, the more he experiences