Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is the protagonist of 'Song of Solomon'?
Who is the protagonist of 'Song of Solomon'?
Who helps Ruth keep Milkman alive while she is pregnant?
Who helps Ruth keep Milkman alive while she is pregnant?
Pilate Dead
Which character becomes part of 'The Seven Days'?
Which character becomes part of 'The Seven Days'?
Guitar Bains
What does Hagar attempt to do after her heart is broken by Milkman?
What does Hagar attempt to do after her heart is broken by Milkman?
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What year does 'Song of Solomon' begin?
What year does 'Song of Solomon' begin?
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Where does Milkman first go when he leaves Michigan?
Where does Milkman first go when he leaves Michigan?
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Why is the hospital referred to as 'No Mercy Hospital'?
Why is the hospital referred to as 'No Mercy Hospital'?
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What does the theme of 'abandoned women' illustrate in the novel?
What does the theme of 'abandoned women' illustrate in the novel?
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Who is killed by Guitar?
Who is killed by Guitar?
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Ruth sneaks off to her father's ______ at night.
Ruth sneaks off to her father's ______ at night.
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What does Solomon do that leaves Ryna behind?
What does Solomon do that leaves Ryna behind?
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Whose bones were actually in the bag Pilate carried?
Whose bones were actually in the bag Pilate carried?
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What is the significance of the name 'Macon Dead I'?
What is the significance of the name 'Macon Dead I'?
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Who is referred to as 'singing bird'?
Who is referred to as 'singing bird'?
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What symbolizes the theme of flight in the novel?
What symbolizes the theme of flight in the novel?
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What does the character First Corinthians search for?
What does the character First Corinthians search for?
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______ is known for turning men to animals.
______ is known for turning men to animals.
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What theme is highlighted by characters flying away?
What theme is highlighted by characters flying away?
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Study Notes
Key Characters
- Milkman Dead: Protagonist with a sense of entitlement, exploring his family history; physically marked by a discrepancy in leg length.
- Pilate Dead: Macon Jr.'s sister, a strong matriarch and supernatural figure, accepts her past actions, including murder; her physical uniqueness includes having no navel and being killed by Guitar.
- Macon Jr.: Materialistic father of Milkman, driven by a desire to mirror his own father's ownership of land.
- Guitar Bains: Milkman's childhood friend turned adversary, part of "The Seven Days," which commits retribution killings; attempts to kill Milkman and ultimately kills Pilate.
- Hagar: Pilate's granddaughter, heartbroken by Milkman, whose name symbolizes flight; attempts to harm Milkman after their relationship ends, ultimately succumbing to emotional distress.
- Macon Dead I: Milkman’s grandfather, murdered while defending his property; known for building "Lincoln's Heaven."
- Ruth Foster Dead: Milkman's underappreciated mother with complex familial relationships; breastfed Milkman into adolescence, linking to her biblical namesake.
- First Corinthians: Milkman's sister searching for love, faced with challenges in her relationship due to Milkman's betrayal.
- Circe: A ghostly maid with wisdom, revealing family secrets related to Milkman's lineage.
- Sing: Macon Jr.'s mother, who communicates with her deceased husband through song.
Themes and Symbolism
- Abandoned Women: A recurring motif where male characters leave women, notably Solomon leaving Ryna and Milkman's abandonment of Hagar.
- Racism: Set in the 1900s, the narrative showcases the oppression of African Americans and critiques materialism embodied by Macon Jr.
- Mercy: Characters seek compassion amidst societal indifference, encapsulated by the term "No Mercy Hospital."
- Names: Symbolism in character names, often reflecting their roles or significance within the narrative.
Significant Plot Points
- Solomon's Song: A pivotal moment for Milkman, connecting him to his family's history and reinforcing themes of liberation and loss through its lyrics.
- Ryna: Solomon's wife who descends into madness after being abandoned, significant for the naming of Ryna's Gulch.
- Importance of Flight: Represents both escape and the burden of one's past; Milkman's realization about true flight comes late in the narrative.
- The Number Seven: A symbol of divine order, echoing biblical themes and the actions of "The Seven Days."
Important Locations
- Mercy Hospital: A racially exclusive medical facility criticized for its lack of care towards black patients.
- Danville, Pennsylvania: Milkman's first destination in his quest for gold and family history.
- Shalimar, Virginia: A key location in Milkman's search for identity and familial roots.
Concluding Facts
- The novel begins in 1931 and follows Milkman's journey deeply rooted in family ties, racial struggles, and the quest for identity amidst materialism.
- Mains Avenue: An avenue with historical significance, reflecting the systemic racism and changes in community identity.
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Description
Explore key concepts and characters from Toni Morrison's 'Song of Solomon' through these flashcards. Learn about Milkman Dead, his family dynamics, and the supernatural qualities of Pilate Dead. Perfect for gaining a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and characters.
