Great Migration and Northern Racism

Study Notes

Great Migration

First wave occurred between 1910 and 1930, with 1.6 million African Americans moving.
By 1970, the total number of migrants reached 6 million, driven by job opportunities and escaping Jim Crow laws, lynchings, the KKK, and sharecropping.

Racism in the North

Northern racism manifested through violence and housing segregation, particularly through practices like redlining.

Book Information

Features an omniscient narrator providing multiple shifts in point of view, illustrating changes in time and perspective.
Themes of displacement address variations in time, place, and character viewpoints.
Allusions enrich the text, with form following function to integrate the past within the present narrative.

Pilate

Characterized by the absence of a navel, symbolically linked to the biblical Eve, representing themes of blame and betrayal.
Deeply cares for her family while bearing societal and personal burdens.

Ruth

Notable for her late breastfeeding, hinting at themes of attachment and dependence.

Macon Dead

Exhibits a complex relationship with his father, showing affection yet criticism, especially towards Pilate, who he refers to as a "snake."
Preoccupied with self-image, wealth, and property, while critical of his wife Ruth.
Tells stories that weave past experiences into present realities.

Flight

Mr. Smith’s dramatic fate ("splat") symbolizes the deep impact of disillusionment.
Milkman’s loss of interest in life stems from realizing the impossibility of flying, reflecting aspirations and disappointments.

Fathers

Names create a vital connection to paternal heritage, emphasizing identity and legacy.

Love

Explores the dangers of incestuous love, questioning the feasibility of healthy love relationships.

Naming

Names signify connections to history and personal lineage, with nicknames embodying stories and affection.
Street names reflect historical struggles and identity, with terms like "colored" versus "negro" signifying power dynamics surrounding identity.

Elements of Oral Tradition

Morrison incorporates elements of oral storytelling, presuming familiarity with the characters and tapping into traditional narratives such as slave stories and folk tales.

Milkman

Portrayed as a pawn in his parents' dynamics, showing possessiveness and passivity, particularly towards racial issues.
Key life events: social interactions in a barber shop at age 12, sexual experiences at 16, and physical confrontation with Macon Dead at 22, revealing patterns of boredom and predictability.

Ruth's Story

Macon’s motivations stem from personal grievances related to Ruth’s financial decisions tied to him and Dr. Foster.
Milkman's internal conflict during a fight with his father is characterized by dual feelings of sorrow and pride as he seeks both liberation from and connection to paternal influence.

Incestuous Love

Examines the troubling relationships between Milkman and Hagar, and Ruth with her father, raising questions about healthy boundaries in love.

Description

Explore the significant historical events of the Great Migration, including the challenges faced by African Americans fleeing the Jim Crow South. The quiz delves into themes of racism in the North, character perspectives, and literary elements that reflect the struggles and experiences during this transformative period.