Set in 1931, Toni Morrison portrays a wealthy African American family who values, more than anything, their reputation. The high expectations and standards they have for their children create a dysfunctional family. Living with overbearing and domineering parents as well as a lack of a role model, Macon dead’s son Milkman continued to question his identity and role in society, which is illustrated through multiple literary techniques such as symbolism, diction, and syntax. Milkman’s autocratic and cavalier mother continuously assign him an identity which isn’t his, which is illustrated through literary techniques such as symbolism and diction. For instance, his mother “joked about” but eventually “hinted strongly” that he “ought to consider”
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As he “glanced” at his reflection, he was “as usual, unimpressed.” Here it is critical to analyze the word choice. Because he glanced but did not stare, Milkman is seen as non-committal. Similarly, the word choice illustrates how Milkman has already made a decision and was very indifferent about himself. He continued to note that his face was fine, but it lacked a “coherence” that he desperately desired. He thus used his appearance as a symbol for who he is and what he might want to be. It was like a puzzle where he had all the pieces, but did not like what they became when put together. Finally, Milkman is characterized as directionless as he is compared to a “man peeping around a corner,” like he isn’t supposed to be there or trying to decide which direction to go. Finally, the fragmented syntax parallels his fragmented personality, and the lack of “coherence” he noted. Furthermore, Milkman concluded that this decision is very significant, but like how he lives his life, it would be made in a “careless, haphazard, and uninformed” way. Thus, Toni Morrison brilliantly used literary techniques such as symbolism, diction, and syntax to characterize Milkman’s current state as directionless, impressionable, vulnerable, and ambivalent. Lost in life, Milkman’s parents pressure him to meet their expectations for his life and who he will become in society. But in order to overcome his aggressive and manipulative parents, he will need a some sort of direction, really any one will
As he “glanced” at his reflection, he was “as usual, unimpressed.” Here it is critical to analyze the word choice. Because he glanced but did not stare, Milkman is seen as non-committal. Similarly, the word choice illustrates how Milkman has already made a decision and was very indifferent about himself. He continued to note that his face was fine, but it lacked a “coherence” that he desperately desired. He thus used his appearance as a symbol for who he is and what he might want to be. It was like a puzzle where he had all the pieces, but did not like what they became when put together. Finally, Milkman is characterized as directionless as he is compared to a “man peeping around a corner,” like he isn’t supposed to be there or trying to decide which direction to go. Finally, the fragmented syntax parallels his fragmented personality, and the lack of “coherence” he noted. Furthermore, Milkman concluded that this decision is very significant, but like how he lives his life, it would be made in a “careless, haphazard, and uninformed” way. Thus, Toni Morrison brilliantly used literary techniques such as symbolism, diction, and syntax to characterize Milkman’s current state as directionless, impressionable, vulnerable, and ambivalent. Lost in life, Milkman’s parents pressure him to meet their expectations for his life and who he will become in society. But in order to overcome his aggressive and manipulative parents, he will need a some sort of direction, really any one will