Foreshadowing, strategically indicating to the reader what will occur later, can be exhibited in a multitude of forms: it can be subtle, it can be purposely misleading, and it can be suspenseful. Toni Morrison uses each of these techniques in Song of Solomon to suggest the incredible self-discovery and transformation that many of her characters experience. Morrison writes with subtle symbolism that summarizes the gluttonous attitudes of the town, illustrates the Dead family’s isolation, and foreshadows Milkman’s journey into the past that ultimately brings him happiness in the present.
Within the first ten pages, Morrison introduces every theme that remains dominant throughout the novel. There are many references to birds, migration, and flight. Additionally, Robert Smith asks for forgiveness for his past actions, and there are multiple …show more content…
Milkman discovers its uneasy dominance at a very young age, from the way “riding backward made him uneasy” to his persistent “concentration on things behind him” (32-35). Even simple actions, such as walking in the opposite direction from everyone else on a crowded street, foreshadow Milkman’s journey into the past (78). This theme of looking into the past to understand the present is also mirrored by Morrison’s writing style: many chapters begin with a narrative or dialogue that is later explained.
Morrison’s foreshadowing has a tremendous effect on the reader that is not fully recognized until the finale. Morrison, like many authors, uses foreshadowing to craft suspense, build dramatic tension, and deliver information that helps readers understand what comes later. Ultimately, Song of Solomon is filled with symbolism from the very start, and by emphasizing her main themes immediately, Morrison uses a construction that reflects the importance of the
Within the first ten pages, Morrison introduces every theme that remains dominant throughout the novel. There are many references to birds, migration, and flight. Additionally, Robert Smith asks for forgiveness for his past actions, and there are multiple …show more content…
Milkman discovers its uneasy dominance at a very young age, from the way “riding backward made him uneasy” to his persistent “concentration on things behind him” (32-35). Even simple actions, such as walking in the opposite direction from everyone else on a crowded street, foreshadow Milkman’s journey into the past (78). This theme of looking into the past to understand the present is also mirrored by Morrison’s writing style: many chapters begin with a narrative or dialogue that is later explained.
Morrison’s foreshadowing has a tremendous effect on the reader that is not fully recognized until the finale. Morrison, like many authors, uses foreshadowing to craft suspense, build dramatic tension, and deliver information that helps readers understand what comes later. Ultimately, Song of Solomon is filled with symbolism from the very start, and by emphasizing her main themes immediately, Morrison uses a construction that reflects the importance of the