The Song Of Solomon Novel By Toni Morrison Summary, Notes And Line By Line Analysis In English

Introduction:

“Song of Solomon” is a novel written by Toni Morrison. It revolves around the story of Macon “Milkman” Dead III, a young African-American man living in Michigan in the mid-20th century. 

About the Author:

Chloe Anthony Morrison a.k.a Toni Morrison (1931-2019) was a notable American novelist. Her books are the recipient of several awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature. Famous works of hers are ‘The Bluest Eye’, ‘Song of Solomon’, and ‘Playing in the Dark: Whiteness and the Literary Imagination’. 

The Gold: 

The chapter begins with Milkman informing Guitar of his plan to go look for the gold. This subsequently results in Guitar becoming suspicious of Milkman cheating him. Guitar thus proceeds to remind Milkman of his desperation for the plutocrat. 

Reverend Cooper:

After Milkman reaches Danville, Pennsylvania, he finds Reverend Cooper, an old-time friend of his father’s. Reverend Cooper is overjoyed by his visit. He then tells him stories of Macon I and Macon II. Milkman is enraged upon hearing that nothing befell the Butlers who had murdered his ancestor. Milkman also realizes that Macon II loved his father and had a particular relationship with him. 

The Butler Estate:

The Butlers, Milkman finds, were now dead. However, he still pays a visit to the dilapidated Butler estate. Upon entry, Milkman is invaded by a fierce rotting smell that soon morphs into a racy gusto scent. Upon climbing the stairs there, he finds an old woman with wild hair. She is initially excited by his sight and embraces him before realizing that he was not Macon Dead II but his son. Milkman is skeptical of her and draws a parallel between her and his dreams of witches. 

Circe:

Milkman discovers that she is Circe. She lets him know about the Dead family’s history. Milkman learns that Macon Dead I’s name was originally Jake and his woman’s name was Sing. Circe also tells Milkman about Hunter’s Cave, where Macon Dead I’s body was ditched after it floated up from the swash it was originally buried in. Proclaiming that he wished to find his forefather’s bones in order to give him a proper burial, Milkman obtains directions to the delve from where he seeks the gold. Upon asking her why she stayed, Circe replies that she wants to destroy the estate.

The Delve:

After some misfortunes, Milkman eventually makes it to the delve. Disappointingly enough, nothing but leaves, boards and a drum can were there. Towards the end of the chapter, Milkman leaves, satisfies his hunger, and resumes his search for the gold.

Conclusion:

This segment is one that is packed with information. Details about his past are interspersed with Milkman’s undying desire to become rich.