In Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, Milkman’s nickname and its derivation is a prominent discussion topic amongst the characters and within the novel itself. Milkman’s name and the story behind it represent a common trait of his character that is exhibited throughout the novel.
Milkman receives his name on account of his mother, Ruth, breastfeeding him for so long after he started to become a growing boy. When the public finds out about Ruth’s uncommon practice, they coin Macon with the name “Milkman”. Although at the time of his breastfeeding, Milkman didn’t understand that the situation was necessarily wrong, he has to live with this name for the rest of his life. When Milkman grows older and more intellectual, his curiosity drives him to
Milkman receives his name on account of his mother, Ruth, breastfeeding him for so long after he started to become a growing boy. When the public finds out about Ruth’s uncommon practice, they coin Macon with the name “Milkman”. Although at the time of his breastfeeding, Milkman didn’t understand that the situation was necessarily wrong, he has to live with this name for the rest of his life. When Milkman grows older and more intellectual, his curiosity drives him to