song of solomon essay titles

77 Song Of Solomon Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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• “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison Book Analysis Also, Morrison predicts the importance of Milkman’s journey to his southern ancestral home when he states that Milkman’s walk in the Not Doctor Street was dreamlike and strange following his quarrel with his father.
• Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison Review In the book, “The Song of Solomon” such an obsessive love is found in the passionate desire of Hagar and the friendly love of Guitar.
• “Song of Solomon“ by Toni Morrison Book Review Ruth did not abandon her affection for her father even as an adolescent, their goodnight kiss ritual, motivated by her seeing her mother as a rival due to the latter’s lack of maternal care, was […]
• National Identity in “Song of Solomon” by Morrison In this novel, Morrison, from her feminist viewpoint, depicts the successful quest for the personal and national identity of the main character Milkman, who finds the solution in African national values and the act of […]
• How Magical Realism of Animals in the Bible is Echoed in ”As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner and ”Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison Another use of magical realism of animals is illustrated by the use of the mules to transport the casket after the wagon is destroyed in the floods.
• What Role do Ghosts, Magic and Voodoo Play in the “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison To the untrained reader, the first layer of the narrative would appear downright illogical due to its extensive interweaving with the world of magic and ghosts.
• Relationships, Marriage, and Sex According to Christian View in the “Song of Solomon”
• The Significance of the Ginger Smell in the “Song of Solomon”
• The Relevance of Pilate Having No Navel in “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
• Language and Composition in “Song of Solomon”
• Comparing the Feminine Quest in “Surfacing” and “Song of Solomon”
• Toni Morrison’s Sula and “Song of Solomon”: Submissive Gender Roles
• The Significance of the Supernatural in “Song of Solomon”
• Various Types of Language in the “Song of Solomon”
• The Effects of Racism Through Characters in “Song of Solomon”
• The Flows of African-American Dream in “Song of Solomon”
• Symbolism Through Color Usage in “Song of Solomon”
• Black Experience and Black Identity Construction in “Song of Solomon”
• Memory and the Quest for Family History in “Song of Solomon”
• How Milkman Dead Found His Identity in “Song of Solomon”
• The African American Dream in “Song of Solomon”
• The Search for Identity in the “Song of Solomon”
• How Do Characters Love Differently in “Song of Solomon”
• The American Dream Revised in “Song of Solomon”
• The Message Morrison Is Trying to Tell the Reader in “Song of Solomon”
• The Symbol of an Attempt to Fly in “Song of Solomon”
• The Cedar Tree Is a Critical Symbol in “Song of Solomon”
• Translations and “Song of Solomon”: Representation of Racial Domination Theme
• Milkman’s Development Resulting in Maturity in “Song of Solomon”
• Compare and Contrast Characters in “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
• How the Role of the Woman Manifest Throughout the “Song of Solomon”
• Why is the Primary Protagonist Milkman Dead in “Song of Solomon”
• The Establishment of Magical Realism in “Song of Solomon”
• The Significance of the Hunt in “Song of Solomon” and Its Effect on Milkman
• How Does “Song of Solomon” Follow the Hero’s Journey Archetype
• The Connection Between Macon and the White Man in “Song of Solomon”
• The Relationship Between Love for an Individual and Passion for an Ideology in “Song of Solomon”
• Comparing Racism Versus Classism in “Song of Solomon”
• The Father and Son Relationship in “Song of Solomon”
• The Moral of the Novel “Song of Solomon”
• The Importance and Role of Names in “Song of Solomon”
• Exploring the Muddled Path of History in “Song of Solomon”
• Cherry Symbolism in Morrison’s “Song of Solomon”
• The Struggle for Wealth Race in Toni Morrison’s “Song of Solomon”
• The Theme of Faith, Belief, and Human Experience in “Song of Solomon”
• The Meaning and Metaphors Behind Naming and Imposition in “Song of Solomon”
• What Is the Symbolism of “Song of Solomon”?
• Is “Song of Solomon” a Love Story?
• What Literary Devices Are Used in “Song of Solomon”?
• How Does “Song of Solomon” Describe Beauty?
• What Kind of Poetry Is “Song of Solomon”?
• Is Solomon the Lover in “Song of Solomon”?
• What Does Gold Symbolize in “Song of Solomon”?
• Who Is the Protagonist in “Song of Solomon”?
• Is “Song of Solomon” an Allegory of God’s Love for Israel and Christ’s Love for the Church?
• What Is the Main Conflict in “Song of Solomon”?
• Who Are the Daughters of Jerusalem in “Song of Solomon”?
• Is “Song of Solomon” About Christ and the Church?
• What Animals Are Used in “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison?
• How Does Hagar Die in “Song of Solomon”?
• Why Does Solomon Refer to His Wife as His Sister in “Song of Solomon”?
• How Does Milkman Feel About His Name in “Song of Solomon”?
• What Is the Historical Context of “Song of Solomon”?
• Why Is God Not Mentioned in “Song of Solomon”?
• How Old Is Milkman at the End of “Song of Solomon”?
• What Are Family Issues in “Song of Solomon”?
• Was Solomon Married to the Woman in “Song of Solomon”?
• How Did the Original Macon Dead Milkman’s Grandfather Get His Unusual Name in “Song of Solomon”?
• What Kind of Religious Interpretation Is Symbolized in the Book of “Song of Solomon”?
• Why Is the Book “Songs of Solomon” Less Preached in the Church?
• At What Stage in “Song of Solomon” Are the Lovers Married?
• What Impact Does the Structure of “Song of Solomon” Have on the Reader?
• Why Is the Concept of Names So Important in “Song of Solomon”?
• Is There Some Gender Fluidity Apparent in “Song of Solomon”?
• What Is the Most Poetic Verse in “Song of Solomon”?
• How Can “Song of Solomon” Be Applied to Our Lives Today?
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Song of Solomon

Toni morrison.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Song of Solomon: Introduction

Song of solomon: plot summary, song of solomon: detailed summary & analysis, song of solomon: themes, song of solomon: quotes, song of solomon: characters, song of solomon: symbols, song of solomon: theme wheel, brief biography of toni morrison.

Historical Context of Song of Solomon

Other books related to song of solomon.

• Full Title: Song of Solomon
• When Written: 1975-77
• Where Written: Washington, D.C.
• When Published: 1977
• Literary Period: Postmodernism, Black American Literature
• Genre: Magical realism, Bildungsroman, epic
• Setting: Unnamed town in Michigan
• Climax: Milkman’s discovery of his great-grandfather, Solomon.
• Antagonist: Guitar
• Point of View: Third person limited. The novel moves between dozens of characters’ points of view.

Extra Credit for Song of Solomon

Late Bloomer: Morrison didn’t publish her first novel, The Bluest Eye , until she was almost forty years old. Over the next two decades, she had one of the most impressive runs of any American writer, publishing Sula , Tar Baby , and Beloved , within just a few years of each other.

Awards, awards, awards: Morrison has won virtually every honor available for an American writer: the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Pulitzer Prize, the American Book Award, etc. In 1993, she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. As of 2015, she is the most recent American, the only American woman, and the only Black American to win this honor.

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Essays on Song of Solomon

What makes a good song of solomon essay topics.

When it comes to writing an essay on Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, selecting the right topic is crucial. A good essay topic should be thought-provoking, engaging, and relevant to the themes and motifs presented in the novel. It should also allow for in-depth analysis and critical thinking. But how do you go about choosing a suitable essay topic? Here are some recommendations to help you brainstorm and select the best topic for your Song of Solomon essay.

First, consider the themes and motifs present in the novel. Song of Solomon addresses issues such as identity, family, love, and the quest for freedom. When brainstorming essay topics, think about how these themes are portrayed in the novel and how they can be explored in your essay.

Next, consider the characters and their development throughout the story. Characters such as Milkman, Pilate, and Guitar undergo significant changes and growth, providing ample material for analysis and discussion in your essay.

Finally, think about the historical and cultural context of the novel. Song of Solomon is set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and explores the experiences of African Americans in the 20th century. Consider how these historical and cultural elements can be integrated into your essay topic.

A good essay topic should be specific, focused, and open to interpretation. It should also be relevant to the themes and motifs of the novel and allow for in-depth analysis and critical thinking. Ultimately, the best essay topic will be one that allows you to engage with the text in a meaningful and insightful way.

Best Song of Solomon Essay Topics

• The Symbolism of Flight in Song of Solomon
• The Role of Myth and Folklore in the Novel
• The Portrayal of Gender and Identity in Song of Solomon
• The Theme of Family and Community in the Novel
• The Influence of History and Culture on the Characters' Lives
• The Significance of Names and Naming in the Novel
• The Use of Magical Realism in Song of Solomon
• The Theme of Racial Injustice and Oppression
• The Quest for Self-Discovery and Identity
• The Symbolism of Gold and Wealth in the Novel
• The Power Dynamics in Relationships in Song of Solomon
• The Theme of Love and Romance in the Novel
• The Role of Music and Song in the Story
• The Significance of the Southern Setting in Song of Solomon
• The Theme of Freedom and Liberation in the Novel
• The Role of Religion and Spirituality in the Characters' Lives
• The Portrayal of Motherhood and Maternal Influence
• The Theme of Ancestry and Heritage in Song of Solomon
• The Symbolism of Nature and the Natural World in the Novel
• The Significance of Dreams and Visions in the Story

Song of Solomon essay topics Prompts

• Imagine you are a character in Song of Solomon. How do the themes of identity and self-discovery resonate with you personally?
• Explore the significance of the novel's title, Song of Solomon, and how it relates to the themes and motifs presented in the story.
• Analyze the role of women in Song of Solomon and how they challenge traditional gender roles and expectations.
• Consider the use of magical realism in the novel. How does it enhance the storytelling and themes of the narrative?
• Discuss the theme of flight as a metaphor for freedom and self-discovery in Song of Solomon. How does it shape the characters' journeys throughout the story?

Selecting a good essay topic for Song of Solomon requires thoughtful consideration of the novel's themes, characters, and cultural context. By choosing a specific, focused, and thought-provoking topic, you can engage with the text in a meaningful and insightful way, leading to a compelling and well-crafted essay. So, take the time to brainstorm and explore the possibilities, and choose a topic that resonates with you and allows for in-depth analysis and critical thinking.

Black Humanity in Toni Morrison's The Site of Memory

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Analysis of Milkman's Journey to Maturity in Song of Solomon

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Black Experience and Black Identity Construction in Song of Solomon

Escaping the burden of materialism in song of solomon, cherry symbolism in morrison's novel song of solomon, the theme of racial domination in "song of solomon" and "translations", get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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Gold as a Symbol of Desire in Song of Solomon

White power structures in sula and song of solomon.

Toni Morrison

Novel, Domestic Fiction

Milkman Dead, Pilate Dead, Guitar Bains, Macon Dead, Sr., Hagar Dead

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A Summary and Analysis of the Song of Solomon

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

The book known variously as the Song of Solomon, the Song of Songs, and Solomon’s Song is something of an oddity in the Bible, in that it is an unabashed description of romantic and erotic love between a man and a woman. Despite its common title, however, Solomon didn’t write it, and many scholars now believe that parts of the Song of Songs were actually written by a female author.

Let’s take a closer look at the Song of Solomon, as it’s widely known, and explore some of the stranger and more surprising aspects of this unusual Old Testament book. Before we come to the analysis, though, here’s a brief summary of the Song of Songs.

Song of Solomon: summary

Quotations below are from the King James Version.

1:1 The song of songs, which is Solomon’s.

As we’ve already mentioned, the ‘Song of Solomon’ is ‘Solomon’s’ by convention only, and was composed long after Solomon’s death. However, given the wisdom of Solomon (the Proverbs are also attributed to him) and his prodigious harem of wives (some 700!) and concubines (at least 300), he probably knew a thing or two about lovemaking.

1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.

Thus we get the first comparison in the Song of Songs, which is dominated by metaphors and comparisons drawn from the author’s (or authors’?) surroundings. So we get plenty of references to wine, good food, scents and ointments, and the geographical features of that part of the Middle East.

1:5 I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.

‘Black’ here is sometimes interpreted literally, but it actually means simply that the bride is tanned by the sun, as the next verse makes clear:

1:6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.

The fact that the bride was made ‘keeper of the vineyards’ also makes it unlikely that she is some high-profile bride, such as the Queen of Sheba or an Egyptian princess who married Solomon. Indeed, if we grant that the Song of Songs actually has nothing to do with Solomon besides bearing his name, it’s far more likely that the bride was an ordinary peasant girl, and this makes the Song of Songs even more relatable.

1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? 1:8 If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.

Part of the difficulty of reading the Song of Solomon is knowing who is speaking at a given point. It’s clear there are at least two speakers (see the analysis below for the various theories concerning this), but when the male voice leaves off and the female voice speaks is difficult to say for sure.

Here, 1:7 seems to be spoken by the bride (asking the bridegroom where he makes his ‘flock’, suggesting he is a shepherd), while 1:8 is the bridegroom responding to her (‘O thou fairest among women’).

We have moved from the introductory verses and to a dialogue between the two lovers. The woman wants to meet with the man while he tends his flocks at night, but he responds in a coy, treat-them-mean-to-keep-them-keen sort of way.

1:14 My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi.

1:15 Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes.

There follow numerous such comparisons, as the bride and bridegroom try to describe their beloved using suitable similes (‘My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire’) and metaphors (‘thou hast doves’ eyes’).

2:11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; 2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; 2:13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

This is one of the more puzzling sections of the Song of Songs, because ‘voice of the turtle’ sounds odd, until we realise that ‘turtle’ refers not to the shell-covered reptiles but to the turtledove, a bird known for its (romantic) cooing sound. The turtledove has longstanding associations with romantic love, as Shakespeare’s poem ‘The Phoenix and the Turtle’ (where ‘turtle’ means ‘turtledove’) demonstrates.

3:1 By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

3:2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.

There’s an injection of some drama and incident into the poem at this point, as the bride wakes one night to find the bed empty next to her, so she goes into the streets of the city to search for her beloved:

3:3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 3:4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

She finds him, takes him to her mother’s house, and (presumably) makes love to him in the very bed in which she herself was conceived.

3:5 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.

This sentence acts as a sort of refrain in the Song of Songs, recurring several times. It’s a paean to the power of erotic love and desire and also to wifely devotion, wishing the whole city of Jerusalem to let her beloved husband sleep until he wakes naturally. In this respect, the poem is not too different from John Donne’s ‘ The Sun Rising ’, in which the poet chides the sun for waking him and his lover as they lie together in bed in a state of romantic bliss.

3:6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? 3:7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel.

The king, Solomon, appears, and the poet describes the royal procession. The interpretation of the Song of Songs which sees the poem as a dramatisation of an eternal love triangle between a shepherd, his peasant wife, and the king who wishes to take the wife into his harem, stems from this section. Certainly the women of the city are encouraged to come out and see the royal wedding procession:

3:11 Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.

The fourth chapter, however, then reverts to descriptions of the woman’s beauty. It is hard to exaggerate the originality and vividness of some of the imagery:

4:2 Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them.

4:4 Thy neck is like the tower of David builded for an armoury, whereon there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

The language is full of passionate intensity, too, with the male speaker talking of his bride as ravishing (i.e., taking by force) his heart. Note how the bride had earlier taken her beloved from the streets and into her mother’s bedchamber. One of the striking details of the Song of Songs is that the woman’s sexual love is as intensely felt and as powerful as the man’s, and that her actions are powerful to match:

4:9 Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck.

There follows a section in which the woman is likened to a garden with everything ‘sealed’ and ‘shut up’, suggesting that she is chaste:

4:12 A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed.

But the man is encouraged to enter this garden and taste its fruits:

4:16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

5:1 I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.

The woman dreams (sleeping, but her ‘heart waketh’, she tells us), and – as before when she awoke to find her man had gone from beside her – in the dream she loses her beloved:

5:6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

This time, however, when she asks the watchmen whether they have seen her beloved, they beat her, and she doesn’t find him. Is this dream the earliest description in literature of the unconscious terror of losing somebody we love?

She finds him, in the end, safe and well in his garden. There follow more descriptions of the physical features and powerful qualities of the beloved:

6:4 Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.

Once again, the idea of enjoying the sensual pleasures of the beloved’s body is likened to enjoying the fruits of a garden:

7:8 I said, I will go up to the palm tree, I will take hold of the boughs thereof: now also thy breasts shall be as clusters of the vine, and the smell of thy nose like apples; 7:9 And the roof of thy mouth like the best wine for my beloved, that goeth down sweetly, causing the lips of those that are asleep to speak.

The woman invites her beloved into the field so they may make love there:

7:11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages.

7:12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.

7:13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

Mandrake plants are associated with fertility, and this is obviously appropriate, as is the talk of various fruits, suggesting fruitfulness and bringing forth children.

Song of Solomon: analysis

What is a work of erotic poetry – for that is perhaps the best way to categorise and analyse the Song of Songs – doing in the canonical Bible? Even those books of the Old Testament which have only passing references to God and worship, such as Ecclesiastes, at least contain some mention of God and religious faith.

It appears that the Song of Solomon was included in the canon of the Old Testament partly because there’s a long-standing tendency to analyse the book allegorically, where Yahweh or God is the bridegroom and Israel is the bride. In Christianity, Yahweh becomes Jesus Christ and the bride becomes either the Church as a collective whole or the individual Christian believer.

Although this interpretation of the book’s meaning was important in getting it included into the biblical canon, it is not one that finds a huge amount of favour with modern scholars and critics.

No: we should take the Song of Solomon at face value as what it purports to be: a love song between a bridegroom and his bride, with both parties addressing each other and paying erotic homage to each other’s body.

And yet even the ‘romantic’ interpretation of the Song of Solomon invites diverse readings. For example, it’s been suggested that the song is really a dramatic composition detailing a love triangle between a woman, her shepherd lover, and Solomon, who takes the woman to be one of his concubines and tries to make her fall in love with him, while the woman remains loyal to her shepherd.

But we have to ask whether the early Christian theologians would have made canonical a book which portrayed Solomon as a wife-stealing thug who then fails to win the heart of the woman he takes.

A more compelling interpretation is that the Song of Songs was composed as an occasional poem for a wedding, or perhaps for use at all weddings, where the peasant bridegroom and his bride are made ‘king’ and ‘queen’ for a day (or, in more extended celebrations, up to a week).

Although there is scant evidence that such a custom existed at the time in that part of the world, it’s possible to see the references to jewels and gold chains as allusions to such borrowed trinkets and ornaments which the happy couple might have the privilege to wear for a few days, in honour of their marriage.

An alternative theory, which is similarly lacking in historical evidence but nevertheless highly suggestive on the strength of the internal textual corroboration, sees the Song of Solomon as a love poem which has its roots in fertility cults (as is so often the case with religious literature and ritual), where the Sun God (the bridegroom) is ‘married’ with the Mother Goddess (the bride). We will probably never know whether any, some, or none of these theories are correct.

But we have the beautiful and original erotic poetry of the Song of Songs, so perhaps that’s all we need.

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Song of Solomon

By toni morrison, song of solomon themes.

The concept of flight is clearly addressed in the beginning of the novel with Mr. Smith's jump - his attempt to fly. Although flight may have positive attributes of the possibility of escape, it also contains negative connotations. Escape suggests leaving behind one's old world and thus pain for those left behind. Solomon , who flew back to Africa, leaves behind his wife Ryna and their twenty-one children. Solomon's departure, although happy in the face of his struggle with slavery, is disastrous for Ryna, who goes mad with grief. Milkman's escape from Not Doctor Street, a relief from his daily unhappiness, is devastating for Hagar , who eventually dies from heartbreak. The overall theme of flight, therefore, is associated with abandonment. Although it is an impossible feat, flight is regarded as natural in the novel. It is believed that Milkman's great-grandfather, Solomon, literally flew away by simply spinning around with his arms spread out until he elevated. The community's acceptance of flight as normal highlights Morrison's use of magical realism in her writing. Even the novel's epigraph, "The fathers may soar And the children may know their names," references the theme of flight.

Allusions in Characters' Names

Names hold a special significance in regards to each character. Pilate, a biblical reference to the Roman governor who allowed the execution of Jesus Christ, shares some similar traits with her namesake, such as strength and power. Although she is not cruel in her authority, Pilate is a male name suggesting that she bears the stereotypical characteristics of a man, at least as perceived by society at the time. Circe 's name bears homage to the enchantress in Homer's Odyssey, who provides Odysseus with crucial information on how to end his voyage. In Song of Solomon , Circe supplies Milkman with segments of his family history, so that he may end his search for his family heritage. Hagar, a biblical name, is a direct explanation of her strained and desperate relationship with Milkman, who abandons her, as can be predicted through the Bible.

The family surname of Dead is a spiritual wordplay. Milkman's family accidentally received the name from white oppressors, thus suggesting that their real name died, and at that point, so did their family history. The importance of names relates to a sense of belonging, to being able to trace one's roots through the ages. Throughout the entire novel, there are continuous references to Milkman being Dead, both in terms of name and character. Upon Milkman's rebirth, he no longer can be called Dead, neither by name nor by personality.

The theme of singing and songs is a reference not only to the African oral tradition but also to the days of slavery. Slaves, as means of getting through their work on the plantation, sang spirituals. Such songs talked of faith and hope, and how to live with the spirit of God. Singing was a way in which slaves could express their personal feelings, and it was also a means of cheering one another up. Many songs also contained "secret messages," for instance making indirect references to the Underground Railroad.

The act of singing communicates the importance of the oral tradition, demonstrated through Pilate's "Oh Sugarman done fly away..." The song, originally a reference to Solomon, tells the tale of Milkman's great-grandfather. It is this song that transmits Milkman's family history, and steers him towards his spiritual rebirth. Overall, songs underline the rebuilding of a spiritual and emotional bond. In the novel, Pilate, Hagar and Reba all bond through the act of singing. And, after Hagar's death, Reba and Pilate comfort one another through a song.

Racial Injustice

Toni Morrison emphasizes the country's state of racial injustice. Chapter One mentions racial uplift groups and makes note of segregated hospitals to create a focus on race. Further emphasis is placed on white oppression in regards to race as Guitar remembers that his mother received four ten dollar bills for his father's body. The reasons for Guitar's anger towards whites ars reemphasized in his unfair treatment by a white nurse. His hatred grows to transform him into a revengeful fiend who loses his humanity. The Seven Days society, of which Guitar is a member of, takes justice into their own hands.

Abandonment of Women

Throughout the entire novel, women are abandoned by males to fend for themselves. Solomon abandons his wife, Ryna, and Milkman leaves behind Hagar. Whereas Solomon is regarded as a hero for escaping the evils of slavery, Ryna's suffering is regarded as punitive, almost illogical. Although it is she who is left behind with twenty-one children, the town emphasizes Solomon's victory over her misery. Morrison accents the women's hardships to show the double standard society places upon women.

The pursuit of money and property is a struggle for which Macon Dead II has sacrificed his humanity. The gold further accents his greed, and his desire for monetary objects consumes Milkman as well. Although Macon's longing to accumulate worldly goods is a sign of bereavement for his father, his manner of mourning soon turns against him. Milkman's search for the gold becomes a search foe his identity, his real inheritance.

The Color White

Throughout the novel, black and white colors are used to differentiate between good and evil. Stereotypically, society associates white with good and black with evil. Song of Solomon , on the other hand, presents the color white as a symbol of malevolence. All the white characters as well as white symbols represent wrongdoing and/or violence. Guitar's father's employer, who is white, gives his mother forty dollars for his father's dead body, a suggestion of how much a black man is thought to be worth. Corinthian's employer, white as well, also does not regard her employee as an equal, although she claims her views are liberal. Freddie 's description of his mother's death involves a white bull. And the white peacock that Milkman and Guitar chase represents greed.

Song of Solomon Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Song of Solomon is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

What role does the gold-toothed man play?

In Chapter One, the gold-toothed man snapped the boys out of their daydreams and back into reality.

But the laughter of a gold-toothed man brought them back to their senses.

How does the author foreshadow Mr. Smith's death?

Two days before his death, Mr. Smith posts a note informing everyone of his plans to "fly away," foreshadowing his intent to jump to his death.

Who is Circe?

Circe is the midwife who delivers both Macon Dead II and Pilate. Employed by the affluent Butler family, Circe ascertains that their estate is ruined once they have passed away. As her namesake in the Odyssey, she is responsible for leading...

Study Guide for Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon study guide contains a biography of Toni Morrison, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Song of Solomon
• Song of Solomon Summary
• Character List

Essays for Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon literature essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Song of Solomon.

• Appreciation, Escape, and Resurrection
• A Separate Identity: Song of Solomon as Black Literature
• Subverting White Power Structures: Pilate and Shadrack’s Way Out
• Presentation of Racial Domination: A Comparison between Translations and Song of Soloman
• Milkman's Journey to Maturity

Lesson Plan for Song of Solomon

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to Song of Solomon
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Song of Solomon Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for Song of Solomon

• Introduction

Song of Solomon - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

An essay on “Song of Solomon” can provide a literary analysis of the novel by Toni Morrison. It can explore themes of identity, ancestry, and flight, examining the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and the cultural and historical contexts in which the story unfolds, offering insights into Morrison’s narrative and storytelling prowess. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Song of Solomon you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Unraveling the Layers: a Comprehensive Summary of ‘Song of Solomon

Toni Morrison's 'Song of Solomon' is a mesmerizing tapestry of African-American culture, history, and spiritual exploration. Set in an unnamed city in Michigan, the novel spans from the early 20th century into the 1960s, weaving a complex narrative that challenges and enthralls. At its core, the story follows the life of Macon "Milkman" Dead III, from his birth to his journey of self-discovery in his early thirties. Milkman's life is marked by the weight of a legacy he doesn’t understand. […]

Why the Song of Solomon Interested me

Prior to the course Sex and the Bible. I barely knew who Jesus was or what the inside of Holy bible looked like, or exactly how it was established. I have been my entire life non-religious, as well as while I don't think that this course would certainly ever transform that, it interests find out about since it is such a substantial part of our culture and various other cultures all over the world. In short, scriptural text interests me […]

The Uncontrollable Factors of Life in William Shakespeares Hamlet and Toni Morrisons Song of Solomon

According to Hamlet, Shakespeare suggests that an individual does not have complete freedom in his/her life. The character Hamlet, created by Shakespeare, is the Prince of Denmark. Born a prince, Hamlet has little control over his life. Through the use of imagery, allusions, and allegories, Shakespeare indicates that when one is born into royalty, many things have already been decided for them, and they are often unable to do as they please. Besides Hamlet's status, Shakespeare incorporates various other elements […]

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The Theme of Flight in Song of Solomon

After going through a journey of extensive growth, unearthing fascinating surprises about his family's past, and witnessing the death of his most precious and appreciated family member in his arms, Milkman Dead leaps from the edge of a cliff. It's unclear whether he plunges or rises, survives or dies, or whether his spirit ascends or descends because of his past actions. However, unlike the outcome of his journey, the motivations pushing him forward remain entirely clear. For the first time […]

The Lack of Consummate Love in “Song of Solomon”

Love has been a consistent theme within human society, whether it be romantic love or devotion between a man and a woman. Love has always remained prevalent. Literary works have made use of this to record the many forms of love, as well as to emphasize its relevance in culture. Love is a complicated emotion to explain due to the many different forms it can take. It seems to have become a rule that authors, regardless of love being a […]

The Interpretation of the American Dream in the Song of Solomon and the Great Gatsby

"Monetary wealth and materialism are two elements shared by The Song of Solomon and The Great Gatsby. These stories examine "The American Dream" and therefore emphasize the value of the role money plays in each of their character's lives. In both books, characters' desire for wealth guides their decisions and serves as a form of social criticism, highlighting the corruption that comes with materialism. The characters subscribe to the belief that money will bring happiness and satisfaction. However, in many […]

The Impact of Gender Classification in the Song of Solomon

How are specific characters defined and affected by gender? The American Dream? What comments does Morrison make through this? In Song of Solomon, the female characters not only bear the burden of racism but also face the harsh realities of sexism and cruel double standards. Guitar portrays African-American men as the "workhorses" of humanity to Milkman. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that this description more accurately fits African-American women. The theme of female abandonment recurs throughout […]

Parental Enmeshment in Song of Solomon

The essential essay by Gary Storhoff reviews the beginnings of psychological problems faced by Macon, Pilate, and Ruth, which cause parental enmeshment towards their children. The essay is divided into three parts, each section focusing on Macon, Pilate and Ruth, and Milkman, respectively. The arguments he seeks to make cast Macon, not as the villain the novel paints him as, but eliminate the innocence previously created for Ruth. The reason behind Pilate and Macon's enmeshment is their pursuit to recreate […]

Character Analysis of Pilate in Song of Solomon

Toni Morrison employs nature and natural images to portray Pilate as an authentic individual, for, instead of reprimanding Milkman and Guitar, she invites them into her home, embellishing the narrative of her life. The children were predisposed to "…go inside the wine house of this woman who had one earring, no navel, and resembled a tall black tree" (Morrison, pg. 39). Through simile, the author likens Pilate's appearance and stature to a towering black tree. Trees, ever grounded and rooted […]

Character Analysis of Milkman and Pilate in Song of Solomon, a Book from the Hebrew Bible

Identification can be found in many forms. Some aspects are predetermined, and others are chosen by the individual. People often self-segregate into communities of those who look and act similar to themselves. Typically, race and class are the broadest, fastest, and most discriminatory labels assigned. As these are usually the most visible, people tend to divide and identify strongly with these categories. In addition to these broad group identities, there are personal identities, such as a name. Names function as […]

An Analysis of Dorothy Lee’s Critique of the Song of Solomon

In Dorothy H. Lee's literary criticism of Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, she discusses multiple themes of the novel that pertain to the idea of flight in relation to Milkman's journey. A main focus of the text is how community and outside factors all play into a character's identity. She begins by discussing the archetypal quest for selfhood while lending insight to themes of African American life. Lee states, "The novel's mythic structure, additional allusions, and its network of symbols […]

A Quest for Gold in Song of Solomon

More likely than not, literary journeys are something more than just travel from one destination to another in search of a desirable material or person. Authors often make a journey for the main character seem desirable with one intention, but a completely different and life-changing outcome occurs for the journeyman. Toni Morrison, a renowned author, has written multiple interpretive novels in which the outcome is at first undesirable for the journey's intention, but the result is much greater than any […]

A Personal Review of Song of Solomon

Originating from a Christian background, my first reaction to getting 'Song of Solomon' as one of the summer assignment books was panic as I had forgotten all of my Biblical studies. Then I noticed the author's name was 'Toni Morrison', and I felt even more anxious. Her previous work, 'Beloved', had not resonated well with me. 'Song of Solomon' is a book in the Bible that celebrates love between a man and a woman; particularly that of sexual love. However, […]

A Character Analysis of Macon in Song of Solomon

It's no accident that we make every effort to have our names remembered. Whether it's the Indigenous Americans who named their youngsters after those who had died to ensure each name's history wouldn't be forgotten, or the Western tradition of adopting our parents' surname, names define us, and we carry our family names' history accordingly. But what if we had no knowledge of our surname? What if our surname wasn't our true one? This is the challenge the central character […]

The Rich Symbolism and Themes in the Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon also known as the Song of Songs is one of the most enigmatic and poetic books in the Bible. Unlike other biblical texts it stands out for its unabashed celebration of love sensuality and the beauty of human relationships. Traditionally attributed to King Solomon this book has sparked extensive theological literary and scholarly debate over its interpretation and meaning. While some view it as an allegory of God's love for Israel or Christ's love for the […]

Harmonies of Selfhood: Toni Morrison’s Melodic Tale in ‘Song of Solomon’

"Song of Solomon," Toni Morrison's opus, unfurls a symphony of history, identity, and the unrelenting quest for selfhood against the backdrop of an ever-evolving America. Morrison's pen doesn't just write a story; it orchestrates a melodic narrative that interweaves the personal odyssey of Macon Dead III, known as Milkman, with the tapestry of a nation's legacy. The novel's heartbeat pulses with Milkman's pilgrimage, a journey through the echoes of his family's past and the complexities of his own existence. Morrison's […]

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Song of Solomon - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Song of Solomon is a novel by Toni Morrison that explores the complex themes of identity, family, love, and racism. It tells the story of Milkman Dead, a young African-American man in search of his roots and a sense of belonging in a world that is constantly changing. Through rich and vivid prose, Morrison weaves together a tale that is both intimate and epic, exploring the tensions between past and present, tradition and modernity, and individual and collective identity. At its heart, Song of Solomon is a powerful meditation on the enduring power of love, and the human capacity to overcome even the most daunting obstacles in pursuit of it.

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Song of Solomon

91 pages • 3 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Part 1, Chapters 7-9

Part 2, Chapters 10-12

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

Reclaiming the Hero’s Quest for Family and Community

Before beginning his quest for gold, Milkman is seemingly content with his selfish and superficial lifestyle, lacking any sense of ambition, despite rebukes from others. His sister confronts him for his misogyny. Hagar is stunned by his harsh dismissal of her and repeatedly attempts to kill him. His best friend Guitar criticizes his lack of goals. Rather than address any of these issues, Milkman prefers to escape into his life of privilege, enjoying parties and weekends at his beach house, avoiding any sense of commitment. In particular, he cannot understand why Guitar would get caught up in issues of racial injustice. His wealth has protected him to such an extent that he has not had to suffer the brunt of racism and violence. But by the time Milkman is in his 30s, his sense of boredom is paralyzing. When Guitar goads him into pursuing the gold his father talked about, Milkman is suddenly charged into action, as the “clarion call” of the quest calls to him.

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• Song of Solomon

Toni Morrison

• Literature Notes
• Levels of Language and Meaning in Song of Solomon
• Book Summary
• About Song of Solomon
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Part 1: Chapter 1
• Part 1: Chapter 2
• Part 1: Chapter 3
• Part 1: Chapter 4
• Part 1: Chapter 5
• Part 1: Chapter 6
• Part 1: Chapter 7
• Part 1: Chapter 8
• Part 1: Chapter 9
• Part 2: Chapter 10
• Part 2: Chapter 11
• Part 2: Chapter 12
• Part 2: Chapter 13
• Part 2: Chapter 14
• Part 2: Chapter 15
• Character Analysis
• Macon Milkman" Dead"
• Pilate Dead
• Guitar Bains
• Macon Dead, Jr.
• Ruth Foster Dead
• Toni Morrison Biography
• Critical Essays
• Song of Songs and Flying Africans
• Plot and Setting in Song of Solomon
• Full Glossary for Song of Solomon
• Essay Questions
• Cite this Literature Note

Critical Essays Levels of Language and Meaning in Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon is a richly textured novel that functions on multiple levels. For example, the theme of flight, which pervades the novel, alludes to numerous flights: Mr. Smith's flight; the mythical flight of Solomon/Sugarman; the literal flight of birds, pilots, and airplanes; the historical flight of black people from slavery, poverty, and violence; and the metaphorical flight of Pilate, who transcends the arbitrary boundaries of society. Allusions to flight pervade the novel. In addition to frequent references to birds (hens, chickens, ravens, peacocks) and to characters whose names allude to birds (Singing Bird, Susan Byrd, Crowell Byrd), readers should also note references that suggest bird imagery — for example, Pilate's eggs, Ruth's "peck basket" of rose petals, and Feather's pool hall.

Understanding the significance of Solomon's song is a key to understanding the novel since it is the language of the song that eventually reveals the secrets of Milkman's past. Once Milkman deciphers the song's code and understands its language, he also understands the meaning of his inheritance. Consequently, he is able to view his life not simply as a series of random, disconnected events but as part of a vital link between the past and future. (This tension between fusion and fragmentation , which emphasizes the need for the individual to gather the bones of experience in order to recreate himself into a unified, whole — albeit imperfect — human being, is a key theme in the novel.)

In addition to presenting us with the first of numerous biblical allusions, Solomon's song introduces us to the intrinsic role that religious and secular songs, in the form of spirituals and the blues, play in defining and transmitting African-American culture. Although Solomon's song is a children's rhyme here, it provides divine guidance, leading Milkman from mental bondage to spiritual freedom. Thus, although different in form, it fulfills the function of the old Negro spirituals — such as "Steal Away," "Wade in the Water," and "Follow the Drinking Gourd" — which often served as "signal songs" to guide escaped slaves along the path to freedom. To these slaves, "Steal Away" often signaled a secret church meeting that would put them in touch with other runaways; "Wade in the Water" warned them to walk in shallow creeks and river beds, thus making it more difficult for bloodhounds to pick up their scent; and "Follow the Drinking Gourd" reminded them to use the Big Dipper to find the North Star. For Milkman, Solomon's song contains the secrets to his inheritance, the path back to his "people."

Throughout the novel, characters' abilities to manipulate language reveal their abilities to cope with reality. Note, for example, Pilate's language, which incorporates puns, proverbs, parables, and folk sayings, and which flows freely from standard English, to black vernacular, to the poetic/sermonic language of the Bible, as opposed to Macon's language, which is marked by literal statements, nonstandard English, and racial epithets. (Other examples include Hospital Tommy, who "talks like an encyclopedia," Corinthians, who uses language to disguise her reality, and Freddie, the town crier, who uses language primarily to spread his skewed version of "truth.") Also note Morrison's use of Homeric epithets, which underscores the message that this story of one young man's quest for identity is part of the universal quest for identity common to all humanity. (Attributed to Homer, Homeric epithets are compound adjectives, such as "wine-dark sea," "bright-eyed Athena," and "rosy-fingered dawn.") Examples of this kind of epithet in the novel include "the cat-eyed boy," "the baked-too-fast sunshine cake," and "ice-pick-wielding Hagar."

Song of Solomon also challenges readers to consider the definitions of concepts such as "success" and "progress." Although Macon Dead has achieved a certain measure of material success, the drive for success has left him morally and spiritually bankrupt and unable to relate to himself, his family, or his community. Macon's dilemma symbolizes the dilemma of contemporary middle-class blacks who find that the trappings of success — a big house, a new car, and name-brand luxuries — do not guarantee them respect and social equality. Consequently, Morrison challenges us to consider the price of success in our capitalistic society and to ponder the progress made by African Americans over the last several decades, given that — despite the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s — many are still struggling for basic human rights.

In addition to the various levels of meaning inherent in the novel in general, readers should be alert to the multiple meanings of words and phrases — that is, literal versus figurative language — and to the relationships between oral and written language (how words sound versus what they mean within a specific context). Readers should also note Morrison's use of verbal irony, which explores the meaning behind seemingly innocuous words and phrases, such as "agent," "mercy," and "life insurance." They should also be familiar with the concept of "signifying," a type of wordplay originating in African-American culture.

Morrison expects readers to note not only what is being said but what is left unsaid. As she points out in "Unspeakable Things Unspoken," "Invisible things are not necessarily 'not there,' [and] a void may be empty, but it is not a vacuum. . . . Certain absences are so stressed, so ornate, so planned, they call attention to themselves." Consider, for example, Pilate's missing navel, which is conspicuous by its absence. Consequently, Song of Solomon challenges readers to examine the various ways language can be manipulated to reveal or conceal information, and to consider how silence can be used to send subtle but powerful messages. For example, in Chapter 1, the narrator relates how the "official notice" informing Southside residents of the naming of Mains Avenue is posted "in stores, barbershops, and restaurants." Left unsaid is the fact that the notice is not posted in churches, schools, or libraries. The narrator also refers to a time "when black men were being drafted." Left unsaid is that in the not-too-distant past, black men were not being drafted and were, in fact, barred from serving in the military.

The motif of music — with an emphasis on the blues — resonates throughout the novel. Readers should note the numerous references and allusions to music, including references to musical instruments (drums, guitars, trumpets, pianos); references to musical terms (notes, keys, scales); references to blues musicians (Blind Lemon Jefferson, Fats Waller, B. B. King); references to sounds made by humans and animals (the humming Weimaraners, the screaming hounds, the shouting men); references to radios, records, and jukeboxes; and plays on words such as "grooves" and "jam."

Another key to the novel is the vital role of "the ancestor," who plays a pivotal role in African and African-American culture. In her essay "Rootedness: The Ancestor as Foundation," Morrison defines ancestors as "timeless people whose relationships to the characters are benevolent, instructive, and protective, and [who] provide a certain kind of wisdom." According to her, the role of the ancestor is to render a source of comfort or solace. Consequently, the function of the ancestor in African-American literature is equivalent to "the contemplation of serene nature" in white mainstream literature. Morrison contends that, in order to build and maintain a strong, culturally rooted African-American community, each member of that community must assume responsibility for keeping the ancestor alive; killing the ancestor is equivalent to killing oneself. In Song of Solomon, Pilate is the ancestor who provides solace and guidance for her family and community, and whose wisdom enables Milkman to "fly."

Throughout the novel, Morrison blends fantasy and reality. But rather than adhering to the conventional belief that fantasy — in the forms of magic, superstition, and voodoo — limits or contradicts "real world" scientific knowledge, she illustrates, through the character of Pilate, that individuals in touch with nature and their own spirituality develop alternate ways of knowing that ultimately enhance their knowledge. In this way, she addresses the issue of "discredited knowledge" among black people. As she points out, blacks were often stigmatized and discredited by racist attitudes that held that blacks were morally and intellectually inferior to whites. Consequently, their knowledge was also discredited. By comparing Pilate's innate wisdom to Corinthians' external, academic knowledge — which leaves Corinthians totally incapable of coping with the brutal reality of contemporary society — Morrison stresses the power of knowledge that comes from within and challenges readers to question the value of formal education if that education does not equip individuals with the tools required to survive in the real world.

In tracing Milkman's spiritual development, note that his strength and awareness increase as he recognizes the links that bind him to his past and comes to terms with the present and future through his relationships with members of the black community. His development demonstrates a classic Afrocentric principle: The community is essential to the survival of the individual. Contrary to the Western Eurocentric perspective, which emphasizes individualism and competition, the Afrocentric perspective emphasizes community and cooperation. This concept is illustrated in the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." It is also expressed in the African proverb "I am because we are," which sharply contrasts Descartes' assertion, "I think; therefore, I am." In short, although Milkman must ultimately define himself, he is also defined by his relationships. Therefore, he cannot learn his lessons in isolation; he can learn them only within the context of the community.

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