Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison Book Analysis

In this world, history is the force that will keep society moving forward. Its lessons and knowledge have been the foundation for opportunity and success, giving people the ability to push forward what is known. The novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison takes this idea and runs with it, in this historical recreation that highlights the struggle many African Americans face to this day, all through the eyes of a boy trying to find his place in society. In this novel, Morrison frequently alludes to the bible, mythology, and folklore to reinforce her narrative and to display the value of history. Through this extensive use of intertextuality, Morrison not only skillfully drives the plot forward but also uses it to provide the audience with meaningful lessons on human nature and its impact on society.
In this novel, Morrison repeatedly brings up the motif of flight from African folklore to send Milkman on a ‘Hero’s Journey’ while highlighting the human necessity for purpose. This idea is present even in the foreword where she states, “A journey, then, with the accomplishment of flight, the triumphant end of a trip … Old-school heroic, but with other meanings. Opening the novel with the suicidal leap … ending it with the protagonist’s confrontational soar into danger” (Morrison 9). Through this gallant description of this novel, it is easy to see the importance of this ‘Hero’s Journey’. This hero’s journey sets the purpose of the story all while being reinforced by the motif of flight. This motif is where Morrison’s writing expertise is truly shown in the way that she seamlessly builds this story on the foundation of this folktale. This folktale of flight tells of an African man named Solomon who was enslaved in America but was able to persevere, make wings, and fly back to Africa. It shapes the Song of Solomon as Morrison carefully explores the ancestral meaning behind the story that has given so many people hope. This use of allusion present throughout this novel gives the story a sense of purpose and drive while serving as the gateway to help the audience understand the basis of hope and community in society. In her work, "Folklore and Community in Song of Solomon" published in the MELUS journal, Susan L. Blake comments on this idea, concluding that, “The use of the folktale of the flying Africans in this quest seems to establish equivalence between Milkman's discovery of community and his achievement of identity, but paradoxes in the use of the folktale suggest a more complex relationship and help to define just what Morrison means by the concept of community.” Blake explains that this intertextuality, in the case of folklore, drives the plot forward in the case of the protagonist, but also takes a deeper look at the idea of community and its importance. By highlighting this idea of community both Morrison and Blake find that this trait comes out especially in times of struggle. They also touch on the strength that community brings, as has been seen in history through events such as the civil rights movement.  Noting this, it is obvious that the topics of identity and community play an important role in the psychology of a person. It can bring power to those most suppressed and gives people a chance to show their real identity. The voice it brings serves as the balance to our world and serves as a natural balance to the human species. 
The author’s characterization continues this trend showing that people have a common good, but that a person’s real personality is shown when that good is attacked by evil, fear, disappointment, or distrust. This idea is easily seen in Milkman’s relationship with Hagar; one that started in love but quickly fell apart because of disinterest. In the aftermath of this relationship, the reader sees Milkman carry on like normal because the relationship began and ended on his terms. However, the audience sees Hagar break down in disappointment, never to be able to regain her bright and lively personality. Because of this, the reader witnesses an interesting dialogue between Hagar and her mother stating, “‘He loves silky hair.’ ‘Hush, Hagar.’ ‘Penny-colored hair.’ ‘Please, honey.’ ‘And lemon-colored skin.’ ‘Shhh.’ ‘And gray-blue eyes.’ ‘Hush now, hush.’ ‘And thin nose.’ ‘Hush, girl, hush.’ ‘He’s never going to like my hair.’ ‘Hush. Hush. Hush, girl, hush”’ (Morrison 333). In this interaction, the audience experiences the death of a young woman, literally caused by heartbreak and grief. The use of repetition only adds to the sorrow and the reader experiences firsthand, how an ecstatic young girl was killed by disappointment. Morison conveys to the audience that even during times of negativity, it is important to stay true to one’s values. Society comes with good and bad, and Morrison communicates that a balance needs to be reached to stay afloat. Human nature is very rash, so there must be self-control and the acknowledgment that hardships will pass to create this balance. Through the piece titled “Orality, Literacy, and Memory in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon'' Joyce Irene Middleton, an associate professor at East Carolina University adds to this by stating, “Morrison's novel as ritual transforms an old folktale and attempts ‘to clear a pathway from the dense jungle of materialism back to the source of ancestral wisdom.”’ Through this, she explains an important lesson in this story about the balance of good and evil, shown through the allusion to materialism and ancestral wisdom. Because Hagar was on this ‘love high’ for so long, the disappointment that came from this incident truly showed who she was. Middleton makes a point in explaining that it is important to take breaks from the chaos surrounding the ‘pathway’. She makes an underlying point in this quote, explaining that mental health is immensely important and highlights the importance of stepping back and taking breaks. History has shown us that it is important to check on those around us because mental health is serious and will always be an ever prevalent part of life. 
To top it off,  intertextuality is especially seen in the distinct book title and in the way the characters were created. Morrison continues to use the allusion in the way she titles and names the characters in an unmistakable way, to give the reader a sense of what might be to come in the book, both in the plot and in analysis. She does this by incorporating lore from ancient sources (the bible, mythology, folktales) to help shape character interactions and to add a deeper aspect to the novel. Morrison’s seamless implementation of this characterization invites the audience to dig deeper into these historical stories and folklore, while still providing an easy-to-understand middle-ground for readers who may choose not to. As Gay Wilentz, professor, humanitarian, and Director of Ethnic studies at East Carolina University put it, “Morrison tells the tale of Flying Africans to keep her traditions and culture alive on paper. In the discourse of the novel, her characters voice the stories of family and ancestral life.” This novel title and the way the characters were created are what make this story so popular. It is a constant battle between those in the story to fulfill the shoes of the things they represent. It is through Morrison’s navigation of this battle that the plot can speed forward all while leaving important lessons taught by the past along the way. Morrison’s excellent merging of her characters with past historical stories is what makes this story’s intertextual so strong and unique. These characters represent what everyone can relate to, in trying to fill someone's shoes while providing invaluable lessons on one's nature, and how to improve on it.
History is the building block of our society. It is what builds and shapes us, no matter if the past is learned from, which is why Song of Solomon made such extensive use of it. From its consistent use of intertextuality to the various lessons it provides on human nature, Morrison elegantly weaves in and out of history to create an intricate and meaningful story for future generations. It reminds the audience that, although people may not always listen, the past holds the answers to our future. Whether people want to too or not, it will always be there to push them forward.