In a Song All Along

Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon was a simple yet elaborate tale. The story is about the Dead family living in Michigan in the middle of the twentieth century. In this aspect, the story may seem dated to a faraway past, but in reality, it is not that far away at all. The story is set around Milkman, who is Macon Dead III. As the main character the story focuses on Milkman from conception onward. In this story Morrison discusses identity, greed, and family in relation to the African American experience via the Dead family.

Macon Dead Jr. is Milkman’s father. He is a self-made Black man of limitless means. He came to his wealth through hard work, determination, and marriage. Macon marries the doctor’s daughter who is very light-skinned which during those times was thought to be a benefit for him since he was so dark.  Macon’s life is spent being well calculated, always in search of the next big investment, and being without emotion in his endeavors. Macon Dead Jr. raises his children while being in a loveless marriage. The household is not warm and the family is together by appearances not necessarily being a family unit. As the head of the household, Macon Dead Jr., enjoys spending time outside of the home and catching the eye of the townspeople. Macon does not trust his wife because of past actions, and she does not trust or love him from past actions as well. They live in a contentious situation while raising three children, who are two daughters and a baby son. The baby son is Milkman, Macon Dead III. 

The family identity is one of status and upper class. The daughters are raised with the finest things since their mother Ruth was used to fine living as her father was the only colored doctor in the township. The daughters were not a dominant part of the story. They were relevant but not really developed into any rich character to which the reader can grow an attachment. This in direct contrast to Milkman, who is the focus of the story. Milkman is born after his sisters were almost teenagers and under suspicious circumstances, causing his father to wish him to not be born. Milkman clearly is born and raised in the house never really knowing why his father has an issue with him. It is not until he is 22 that he is told by his father the source of the strife in the family. This disturbs and confuses Milkman who was just coming into his identity as a young man. 

Milkman seeks information about his family and identity from his aunt Pilate, cousin Reba, and cousin Hagar. These women are exact opposites of the women in his immediate family. They live free of societal norms. They are “wild” and simple not caring to accumulate wealth like Macon Dead Jr.  In this place Milkman finds a home, and finds out he owes his existence to his mystical aunt Pilate. He unfortunately develops a relationship with his cousin Hagar which is a contributor to his and her demises. With his aunt Pilate's help Milkman gets the passion and desire to be able to define himself. His hand is forced by his father’s greed because he hears his sister has been dragging along her “inheritance” which he figures is gold and he needs it. Any and all riches are to be possessed and preferably by him. 

Milkman and his friend Guitar are around the same age, but have very different experiences and paths in life. Milkman works hard at trying to be the antithesis of his father and wants to find his own identity. He asks his father to give him a break from everything so he can work out a hunch, which he feels will give him the answers he needs, and then he can know which path in life he should take. Guitar has a troubled family past where his father was killed at work and he ultimately is raised by his grandmother. Guitar is more sensitive to the events which occur throughout the country in terms of the African American experience. The murder of Emmitt Till is mentioned to invoke certain feelings and to add depth to the character. Morrison writes about this event because it is a turning point to the plot and to the development of Guitar as a character. 

Milkman finds out the origin of his name and then has issues to resolve with his mother.  His mother nursed him past the recommended age and found “pleasure” in doing such. She also had an inappropriate relationship with her father. So out of the three relationships with men, Ruth does not have one functional relationship. She is obsessive and perverted with her son, obsessive and inappropriate with her father, and then cold and loveless with her husband. She was a “kept” woman and made it her business to be at odds with her spouse because she believed he was responsible for contributing to her father’s death. Ruth felt her husband was only married to her out of obligation and so he could add to his wealth. He was ruled by his greed. This is what Milkman most wanted to avoid. He wanted to find his own way and not be ruled by money like his father.

All of these conflicts between the different characters send Milkman to the South. He ends up in Virginia because he is searching for some gold which he believes is in a cave near the land which was stolen from his grandfather. While in search of gold, he found his family’s past and how to stand on his own two feet. Milkman feels a rush of emotions while he is among the strangers and family in the south. While standing outside of a convenience store, Milkman hears children sing a playground song and it ends up the song is a recount of his family tree. He is able to do what his father and aunt never did. He found the people who were always referenced but never found.

Unfortunately, Milkman and Guitar have a friendship which goes south and is perverted because of money and greed. The seemingly almost brotherly bond is ruined by the possibility of wealth and money. Guitar, who hates MIlkman’s father, turns into a man who is equally greedy and amoral as Macon Dead Jr.

All in all, this is a pretty tragic tale. The family is broken and scattered about as a result of slavery and greed. The family even with ample means is dysfunctional and broken. Even with money the children do not turn out “better than” anyone and the daughters actually end up as spinsters. This is a reflection of how money does not fix everything and does not guarantee happiness.