For your paper on Song of Solomon, I'd like you to pick a particular passage from the last 5 chapters and write about how that passage illuminates Milkman's understanding and Morrison's purposes in writing the novel overall. This novel is so richly complex as to be somewhat confusing, but this complexity means that there is a lot to think about, a lot to consider. We're going to be thinking about some of these issues together in class, but I'd also like you to explore your thoughts on this blog.
I am interested in Morrison's take on tradition, the distinction between south and north, the way men and women relate (I am especially troubled by Sweet), the place of violence, and who is allowed a consciousness of the important questions. What are you all interested in?
I'd definitely like to explore both gender roles and the place of violence throughout the book, mostly because I think both of these themes are so skewed by Morrison to the point where bad situations almost seem right. Also, I'm interested in looking at specific dialogue--syntax as well as diction, in finding out more about Morrison's intentions with the novel. She seems to be quite a meticulous writer, so I wouldn't be surprised to unearth some alternate solutions to some of the book's issues in exploring this idea a bit further.
ReplyDeleteI think I would like to explore the difference between North and South. Clearly this distinction plays a prominent role in the novel and is responsible (at least partly) for the change of Milkman's character. Therefore, in order to fully understand Milkman's change and the distinction of the Northern Dead family from their roots this must be understood.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in the motives behind Milkman's actions. Throughout the end of the book, Milkman is very eager to find the money, however we can never fully understand why. Also, I would like to know what was the sudden change in him after his time with Sweet. I'm also interested in why it took Morrison so long to develop characters such as Corinthians.
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I was really interested in the Seven Days group that Guitar joins. I think it would be an interesting thing to write about and understand more of the ideas they came up with. As disturbing their ideas and motives are the Seven Days play an important role in developing Guitar's new character. Plus it would be interesting to see why Morrison came up with such a radical group.
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