In this video, I’ll summarize the plot of Song of Solomon in about four minutes and give you an analysis of the story. Okay, let’s get started with the introduction.
1. Milkman’s Birth and Family Struggles
The novel begins with the birth of Macon “Milkman” Dead III in 1931 in an unnamed Michigan city. He grows up in a wealthy but emotionally cold family. His father, Macon Dead Jr., is a harsh businessman who values property over people, while his mother, Ruth, is emotionally distant and overly attached to him. Milkman’s closest childhood friend is Guitar Bains, who later becomes a militant activist. Throughout his youth, Milkman feels disconnected from both his family and the world around him.
2. Love, Betrayal, and Growing Discontent
As Milkman matures, he enters into a troubled romantic relationship with his cousin, Hagar, who becomes obsessively in love with him. However, he treats her with indifference, eventually rejecting her cruelly. Meanwhile, tensions rise between Milkman and his father when he learns of Macon Jr.’s mistreatment of Ruth and his obsession with wealth. At the same time, Guitar becomes involved in a secretive Black nationalist group called the Seven Days, which seeks violent retribution for racial injustices.
3. The Quest for Gold and Discovery of Family History
Milkman embarks on a journey to Pennsylvania in search of gold that his father and aunt, Pilate, may have hidden years ago. However, his quest shifts from material wealth to self-discovery as he uncovers his family’s history. He learns that his grandfather, Macon Dead I, was originally named Jake and was murdered by white men for his land. Milkman then travels to Shalimar, Virginia, where he discovers deeper truths about his ancestry, including the story of Solomon, his great-grandfather, who supposedly had the power to fly back to Africa.
4. Milkman’s Transformation in Shalimar
In Shalimar, Milkman experiences a personal transformation. Initially arrogant and detached, he begins to connect with the people and their stories. He learns about his grandmother, Sing, and the oral tradition that has preserved his family’s history. The legend of Solomon, who left behind his wife and children to escape slavery, forces Milkman to reconsider his own sense of responsibility and identity.
5. Climactic Confrontation
Milkman returns home only to find that Hagar has died from heartbreak. He also realizes that Guitar, who now views him as a traitor, is trying to kill him. The novel ends with a final confrontation between Milkman and Guitar in Shalimar. As Guitar fires his gun, Milkman leaps into the air, embracing the legacy of his ancestors. Whether he survives or truly “flies” remains ambiguous, symbolizing his ultimate acceptance of his heritage and destiny.
Theme 1: The Search for Identity
One of the central themes in Song of Solomon is the search for identity. Milkman’s journey is not just physical but also psychological and spiritual. He begins as a disconnected man, unaware of his roots, but through his travels, he pieces together his family history and discovers his true self. Morrison highlights the importance of ancestry and storytelling in shaping personal identity, emphasizing that understanding the past is essential for self-discovery.
Theme 2: Flight
The theme of flight is deeply symbolic throughout the novel. The legend of Solomon represents both liberation and loss—his flight to Africa is an act of escape, but it also leaves behind his family in suffering. Milkman’s leap at the end of the novel can be seen as an acceptance of this duality, recognizing that true freedom comes with consequences. Morrison uses flight as a metaphor for both the historical struggles of Black Americans and the personal desire to transcend limitations.