TONI MORRISON is considered one of the best contemporary American writers, and this novel is one that is often taught at the high school honors level. As you read it and write your comments, see if you can understand why it has received the praise it has. The idea is that this spot should be a conversation about your important and unique thoughts on the novel, so when you post, respond to what others have said and add something new to the conversation. Support your discussion with quotes from the text and discussion or analysis of those passages. Do not simply summarize the events of the novel. Remember that you must post four times. Proofread carefully because I will not approve poorly edited comments, and you will not receive credit for them. Postings for this book are due July 13. Difficulty in posting is not an excuse for lateness. |
47 Comments
Eliza Johnson
7/2/2015 05:36:46 am
I am definitely noticing an egotistic character develop in Milkman as he grows older. I have been trying to figure out the single reason why he is so self-centered, but there are so many possible explanations. Milkman is hit with the truth about his selfishness when Guitar and Milkman have a deep conversation about it. Guitar shames Milkman for being "more interested in [Guitar's] tone than in what [he is] saying" (Morrison 93). Milkman focuses more on what will impact himself rather than what he can learn from another. I think Milkman can grow into a more mature person with the help of Hagar, Pilate, and Guitar. In my opinion, he trusts these three people the most and each character has a unique way of impacting him. I am recognizing some themes developing in the novel already, which include racism, sexism, and classism. I love the synonyms and metaphors the author uses because it adds more visuals to the novel. The recurring cuss words are actually quite satisfying as they give the reader a better understanding of the character who uses the words. I am eager to find out what happens next!
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Eliza Johnson
7/11/2015 11:53:37 pm
I am just now realizing I accidentally used "synonyms" instead of "similes"! I apologize for my mistake!
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Lucas Leslie
7/7/2015 01:49:53 am
Milkman seems to be the kind of guy that doesn't like to be told what to do. In chapter two he goes against Macon Jr's. word and one day went to Pilate's house with Guitar. Macon was not very happy about his actions so when Milkman returns to Not Doctor street his father was enraged. But he started to calm down when he thought about his childhood. He always seems to be calm when he brings up his childhood life. Throughout the story Milkman becomes an ignorant and heartless man considering he broke his relationship with Hagar just because she wasn't high enough class for him.
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Lucas Leslie
7/7/2015 02:16:43 am
Nearing the middle of the book in chapter four. Milkman divorces his wife and she goes absolutely crazy. She wants to kill him and Milkman doesn't even know until she makes her first attempt at it. Pilate and Reba being really good friends with Hagar have to calm her down and comfort her so she doesn't do anything stupid. "I can't hide front that bitch no more. i got to stop it. i don't want to go through this again a month from now" (Morrison 119). He is hiding at Guitar's house from Hagar. Guitar does gets sick of it and eventually locks him out and sends him on his way.
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Lucas Leslie
7/7/2015 02:30:03 am
Well into the book Milkman starts to notice some unusual behavior in Guitar. Milkman asked Guitar why he is acting in a strange way. Guitar reply's to him saying he is part of this group/organization called "seven days" an organization of black men driven by the belief that white men are not natural. which like what Eliza said there are many signs of racism in this book, this being one of those signs. Then Milkman and Guitar get in this huge dispute over it where milkman defends white people and Guitar defends the blacks. Guitar rambles on about Hitler which in my eyes is completely unnecessary and way off topic. So this book definitely has instant topic changes. "Am i? When those concentration camp Jews hunt down Nazis, are they hating Nazis or loving dead Jews" (Morrison 159). Part of Guitar defending his side.
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Eliza Johnson
7/11/2015 11:54:29 pm
To add on to Lucas’ description of Seven Days, I think Guitar is participating in the group for a feeling of equality. In his eyes, killing the same number of whites as the number of blacks killed has “‘got to be done. To keep the ratio the same’” (Morrison 135). I believe Guitar continues to use this explanation because he has never really felt equality in his life, being a low-class African American. Milkman does not agree with Guitar’s explanation nor his violent practices and refuses to believe Guitar would actually kill a human being. I think Morrison adds this section to the novel to remind the reader of the era the characters live in. In history, one side of the black community supported a violent solution to their inequality while the other half insisted on pursuing peaceful solutions. Guitar is a character that I respect because he sees the world in such a unique way and always knows how to keep Milkman grounded. There were so many fascinating quotes in this chapter that really forced the reader to think. Morrison does an excellent job of making the text visual and keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.
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Lucas Leslie
7/7/2015 02:43:16 am
In chapter ten Milkman ask Guitar if he is going to come with him to Montour County to find the gold with him. Guitar turns him down. At that moment i started to think about all the reasons why he wouldn't come with him. Something has got to be wrong. I was right because a little later in the novel Milkman finds himself in a fight with some guy in the Solomon store. Next thing i know some guy complimented him and asked him to go hunting with him and his crew. He accepts the offer and they split off into hunting groups. Milkman leaves his group and continues his quest. Next thing you know he finds himself being choked out by Guitar. He was able to shoot his weapon and scare off Guitar. "The blast startled Guitar, and the wire slipped again"(Morrison 279). Guitar was up to no good this whole time. Sometimes life long friends can turn against you.
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Lucas
7/8/2015 12:40:27 am
Milkman seems to be the kind of guy that doesn't like to be told what to do. In chapter two he goes against Macon Jr's. word and one day went to Pilate's house with Guitar. Macon was not very happy about his actions so when Milkman returns to Not Doctor street his father was enraged. But he started to calm down when he thought about his childhood. He always seems to be calm when he brings up his childhood life. Throughout the story Milkman becomes an ignorant and heartless man considering he broke his relationship with Hagar just because she wasn't high enough class for him.
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Lucas Leslie
7/8/2015 12:41:21 am
Nearing the middle of the book in chapter four. Milkman broke up with Hagar and she goes absolutely crazy. She wants to kill him and Milkman doesn't even know until she makes her first attempt at it. Pilate and Reba being relatives with Hagar have to calm her down and comfort her so she doesn't do anything stupid. "I can't hide front that bitch no more. I got to stop it. I don't want to go through this again a month from now" (Morrison 119). He is hiding at Guitar's house from Hagar. Guitar does gets sick of it and eventually locks him out and sends him on his way.
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Lucas Leslie
7/8/2015 12:41:51 am
Well into the book Milkman starts to notice some unusual behavior in Guitar. Milkman asked Guitar why he is acting in a strange way. Guitar reply's to him saying he is part of this group/organization called "seven days" an organization of black men driven by the belief that white men are not natural. Which like what Eliza said there are many signs of racism in this book, this being one of those signs. Then Milkman and Guitar get in this huge dispute over it where milkman defends white people and Guitar defends the blacks. Guitar rambles on about Hitler which in my eyes is completely unnecessary and way off topic. So this book definitely has instant topic changes. "Am I? When those concentration camp Jews hunt down Nazis, are they hating Nazis or loving dead Jews" (Morrison 159). Part of Guitar defending his side.
Reply
Lucas Leslie
7/8/2015 12:42:16 am
In chapter ten Milkman ask Guitar if he is going to come with him to Montour County to find the gold with him. Guitar turns him down. At that moment I started to think about all the reasons why he wouldn't come with him. Something has got to be wrong. I was right because a little later in the novel Milkman finds himself in a fight with some guy in the Solomon store. Next thing you know some guy complimented him and asked him to go hunting with him and his crew. He accepts the offer and they split off into hunting groups. Milkman leaves his group and continues his quest. Next thing you know he finds himself being choked out by Guitar. He was able to shoot his weapon and scare off Guitar. "The blast startled Guitar, and the wire slipped again"(Morrison 279). Guitar was up to no good this whole time. Sometimes life long friends can turn against you.
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Shane Lucas
7/11/2015 07:57:51 am
This book holds a great importance in names. Most of the characters recieve their names through non-conventional means, such as randomly selecting a name from the bible or an error when registering for a name. this gives most of the characters abnormal yet memorable names. Macon Dead diapproves of his sons nickname Milkman because of the importance of names held by his family for generations. Macon's father strongly believes in the importance of a persons name, and when the appropriateness of his daughter Pilate's name comes into question, he stands by his decision. Pilate appreciate this name and held it as a badge of honor. She would appreciate Milkman's nickname as it is what others recognize him as. "She would savor it, maybe fold it too in a brass box and hang it from her other ear" (Morrison 18).
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Eliza Johnson
7/12/2015 12:26:58 am
As I read further into the novel, I believe Milkman is so self-centered because he wants authority. He never had authority in his young life, being an employee beneath his father and the youngest in the family. He craved authority so much that he hit his father, abandoned Hagar, and never listened to anyone but himself. I think he is now reaching a turning point in his life after seeing First Corinthians with a man he did not trust, having a deep conversation with Magdalene, hearing Pilate and Macon’s background stories, hearing Guitar’s stories about Seven Days, and realizing his mother’s deep love for him. Being called “a sad, pitiful, stupid, selfish, hateful man” made Milkman realize he had betrayed the people he cared most about (Morrison 189). I really loved hearing about each character’s background and personal life because it gave me a better explanation as to how they act the present day. The author, Morrison, writes these background stories in the novel to give the reader a sense of how African Americans were treated before White Americans began to treat them as equals. Now into part two, I have noticed Milkman’s transition into ridding his selfishness. As he explores Pilate and Macon’s past in Circe’s old farm, Milkman realizes he really cares for his father. The more I read, the more this novel amazes me. Adding incredible visuals to the novel, Morrison applies flashbacks, similes, metaphors, personifications, and descriptive details.
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Shane Lucas
7/12/2015 06:14:49 am
Pilate's household seems to carry an easy going and care free vibe, contrary to the serious and buissness-like tone of Milkman's home. Macon seems to disapprove of his sisters lifestyle as it will not result in achieving things in life and gaining the upper hand over others. Macon is afraid that his son will pick up bad habits from Pilate and the others and forbids him from going there. Milkman is enticed by the women's casual attitudes. He even falls in love with Hagar, his cousin. "He was surrounded by women who seemed to enjoy him and who laughed out loud. And he wad in love. No wonder his father was afraid of them."(Morrison 47).
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Shane Lucas
7/12/2015 07:30:44 am
As Milkman and Guitar grow older They develop differing views on how to live life. Milkman believes that one should strive for a life of comfort and happiness, using any means to reach it. His father taught him that to achieve status in the world a person must rule over others as a means to live comfortable. Guitar is of the idea that life must be paved with hardship to build character, using this ability will help with dealing with hardships later in life. "If things ever got tough, you'd melt. You're not a serious person, Milkman"(Morrison 104). Guitar hatred for a comfortable lifestyle could stem from his dislike of white people, as stated by Lucas.
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Eliza Johnson
7/13/2015 02:25:29 am
Song of Solomon was easily one of the best books I have ever read. I loved everything about it including the characters, the stories, the adventures, and the historical aspects. After finishing the book, I do not question why it received so much praise. I enjoyed following the book’s story line, especially Milkman’s journey. I learned so much about how African Americans were treated in the early and mid nineteen hundreds through the stories of each character. Morrison did an excellent job of incorporating historical aspects into this piece without having to emphasize which moment in history she was talking about. Racism, sexism, and classism were present throughout the entire novel. When traveling south, Milkman was seen as having skin “as black as theirs, but they knew he had the heart of the white men” (Morrison 230). Sexism was present throughout the entire book as the women were always degraded or taken advantage of. Classism was present, for example, when First Corinthians was afraid to expose her relationship with Porter because of their class differences. I could visualize everything going on in this novel, thanks to Morrison’s incredible descriptions. I would recommend this book to someone trying to change himself or herself for the better, just as Milkman did.
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Shane Lucas
7/13/2015 03:00:40 am
Milkman seems to be important to othwrs in his life. Hagar is so obsessed with Milkman that when he wants to break up with her she tries to kill him. "He's the one who's tryin to take himself out of her life. And she'll kill him before she lets him do that." (Morrison 139). Milkman's mother sees him as an accomplishment over her husband. Macon refused to have her son but Ruth had the child against his will. When Hagar tries to kill Milkman she is filled with the same anger towards Hagar as Hagar does towards Milkman.
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