Song of Solomon Flashcards

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.