Song of Solomon Quotes Quiz and Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Guitar mean when he says, 'Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down'?

This quote suggests that in order to achieve freedom or soar in life, one must let go of burdens and negative influences.

What does Milkman mean when he refers to Hagar as 'the third beer'?

It symbolizes how Milkman uses her for sex and to seem cool.

What is Milkman empowered by at the end of the novel?

He is empowered by the knowledge of himself and his people.

What does Henry Porter say about love?

He says he can't carry the burden of love anymore. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate emphasize about living life?

She emphasizes that living life is about love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Milkman realize about deserve during his epiphany?

He realizes that he has been thinking he didn't deserve his bad luck or treatment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of human relationships according to the text?

They boil down to whether you would save my life or take it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Milkman reflect on when he sits backward in the Packard?

It makes him feel uneasy, as though he's not progressing in life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hagar reveal about her hunger?

She reveals she is hungry for love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Macon say about owning things?

He says the important thing is to own things and let them own other things. Signup and view all the answers

What does Ruth confess to Milkman in the cemetery?

She acknowledges she gave up everything to save him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Pilate view ignorance?

She believes ignorance won't kill him, but a woman is likely to save his life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Guitar express about love?

He claims his life is about love. Signup and view all the answers

What does Milkman need to do in the end, according to Guitar?

He needs to live his life purposefully. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson does Circe impart to Milkman about listening?

She tells him that although he has ears, he isn't listening. Signup and view all the answers

What does Milkman’s realization about names signify?

Names are a reminder of self and one's legacy. Signup and view all the answers

What are the consequences of Milkman's actions in relation to Hagar?

He must carry the shoebox containing part of her as a reminder of his negligence. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pilate's death signify in relation to her identity?

She could fly without leaving the ground due to her self-awareness. Signup and view all the answers

What does Guitar say about the condition of a black man's life?

He comments on the struggles and desires surrounding the life of a black man. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Quotes from "Song of Solomon"

"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down."
- Spoken by Guitar after he sees the white peacock, emphasizing the need to shed burdens for freedom.
"She was the third beer."
- Milkman's characterization of Hagar reflects his superficial treatment of her, using her for pleasure rather than love.
"For now he knew what Shalimar knew: If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it."
- Milkman's leap at Guitar symbolizes self-discovery, empowered by understanding his identity.
"But don't give me love. I can't take no more love..."
- Henry Porter expresses the overwhelming burden of love and responsibility, comparing it to another character's tragic end.
"I wish I'd a knowed more people..."
- Pilate's final reflections convey the importance of love in life and connections, revisiting themes from earlier chapters.
"It sounded old. Deserve. Old and tired and beaten to death."
- Milkman's realization of personal accountability at a pivotal moment, marking a transition in his character development.
"Perhaps that's what all human relationships boil down to: Would you save my life? or would you take it?"
- Reflects the complexities and stakes involved in human relationships.
"But riding backward made him uneasy..."
- Milkman's discomfort in the car illustrates the necessity of understanding the past to navigate the future.
"It was becoming a habit—this concentration on things behind him."
- Indicates Milkman's growing fixation on the past, symbolizing his hesitation to embrace the future.
"Some of my days were hungry ones."
- Hagar’s words emphasize her longing for love rather than material needs, foreshadowing her tragic fate.
"Mama liked it. Liked the name..."
- Highlights Macon’s and Sing’s desire to disassociate from their past by adopting a new identity.
"Pilate can't teach you a thing you can use in this world..."
- Macon's pragmatic and materialistic worldview contrasts with Pilate's spiritual teachings, showcasing his values.
"Maybe Guitar was right—partly."
- Milkman's acknowledgment of his aimless existence suggests a tipping point in his self-awareness.
"What harm did I do you on my knees?"
- Ruth’s words to Milkman reflect her sacrifices and the complex dynamics of their relationship.
"Her son had never been a person to her..."
- Reveals Ruth's view of Milkman as a manifestation of her unmet desires rather than an independent individual.
"Ain't nothin goin to kill him but his own ignorance..."
- Pilate's foresight about Milkman hints at his path toward self-discovery through relationships.
"You can't fly on off and leave a body."
- Repeated reflection on interconnectedness and the inevitable consequences of one's actions.
"What I'm doing ain't about hating white people..."
- Guitar clarifies his motivations as rooted in love for his people rather than hatred, emphasizing the different facets of identity.
"What you doin with a heart anyway?"
- Guitar’s question underscores Milkman’s emotional disconnect and foreshadows personal revelations.
"You got a life? Live it! Live the mother****in life!"
- A call to action for Milkman, urging him to seek purpose beyond his previous shallow existence.
"I don't make roses anymore..."
- Lena's assertion speaks to her desire for autonomy and rejection of being objectified in familial dynamics.
"You don't listen to people..."
- Circe points out Milkman's lack of genuine awareness, signifying his character flaws.
"But it was a living breath this time..."
- Milkman's transformative moment post-crisis illustrates his awakening and commitment to life.
"When you know your name, you should hang on to it..."
- Milkman’s epiphany about identity reflects on legacy, memory, and the significance of personal history.
"Just as the consequences of Milkman's own stupidity would remain..."
- A somber acknowledgment of regret that burdens Milkman, musically foreshadowing his life choices.
"Without ever leaving the ground, she could fly."
- Pilate's death signifies a profound connection to identity and heritage that transcends physical existence.
"Look. It's the condition our condition is in."
- Guitar’s remark connects to broader themes of race and identity, capturing Milkman's realizations about loyalty and relationships.

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Description

Explore the significant quotes from Toni Morrison's 'Song of Solomon'. Each quote reveals deeper themes such as freedom, identity, and love, reflecting the complex emotions of the characters. Delve into the profound insights provided throughout the narrative.