The use of nature in literature is often times more significant than general environmental observations. Rather, nature can serve as a parallel narrative to events or development in literature, and reveal hidden perspectives or underlying messages the author may have. This essay will examine Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, to explore the significance of the natural world and the extent it be used as a tool to show development, internal tension, and social cultural tension within the novel and society
The novel’s main protagonist, Macon Dead III (otherwise known as Milkman) is raised within a particular cultural disjunction. As a member of the black middle-upper class, the contrast between his family’s humble roots and his current style …show more content…
In the novel the ornate tail of a peacock symbolizes greed in both characters and society. When Macon Dead II discovers gold after murdering the white man in the cave, “life, safety, and luxury fanned out before him like the tail-spread of a peacock.” (171) Likewise, when Milkman and Guitar are plotting to steal what they believe is a bag of gold from Pilate’s house, a peacock appears from a rooftop unable to properly fly: “[It has] too much tail. All that jewelry weighs it down. Like vanity. Can’t nobody fly with all that shit. Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” (179) The peacock’s beautifully decorated tail is splendid for its appearance, however, it is impractical and somewhat debilitating. Similarly, greed within society is blinding and takes away from what is truly important, such as family. This is clearly seen in Macon Dead II’s relationship with Pilate, Ruth, and his kids, as well as Milkman’s eagerness to steal ‘gold’ even at the expense of killing his loved ones (Pilate). Thus, Milkman’s expedition to Pennsylvania and later Virginia, which begins as a rather arbitrary and almost solely materialistic quest for gold, marks Milkman’s transition from a greedy individual who lacks appreciation for others, to a figure who is able to find greater value in his own life and …show more content…
As he is introduced to the wilderness Milkman quickly realizes that his material possessions can’t help him: “The low hills in the distance were no longer scenery to him. They were real places that could split your thirty-dollar shoes.” (256) The ruining of his shoes, of course, was a product of his unprepared trek to cave. The shedding of this ruined clothing may symbolize the shedding of old perspectives. Meanwhile his crossing of the river on the way to the cave, may be indicative of a baptism of sorts or an introduction to his new life. Despite Milkman’s novice approach to the wilderness, he endures these conditions and gains a respect for the natural world. It so happens, that this growing relationship with nature parallels his appreciation for his own ‘roots’ as he subsequently indulges in seeking out the mysteries of his ancestry. His escape into nature, allowed him to reclaim what is truly important and soothe the wounds of his
The novel’s main protagonist, Macon Dead III (otherwise known as Milkman) is raised within a particular cultural disjunction. As a member of the black middle-upper class, the contrast between his family’s humble roots and his current style …show more content…
In the novel the ornate tail of a peacock symbolizes greed in both characters and society. When Macon Dead II discovers gold after murdering the white man in the cave, “life, safety, and luxury fanned out before him like the tail-spread of a peacock.” (171) Likewise, when Milkman and Guitar are plotting to steal what they believe is a bag of gold from Pilate’s house, a peacock appears from a rooftop unable to properly fly: “[It has] too much tail. All that jewelry weighs it down. Like vanity. Can’t nobody fly with all that shit. Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” (179) The peacock’s beautifully decorated tail is splendid for its appearance, however, it is impractical and somewhat debilitating. Similarly, greed within society is blinding and takes away from what is truly important, such as family. This is clearly seen in Macon Dead II’s relationship with Pilate, Ruth, and his kids, as well as Milkman’s eagerness to steal ‘gold’ even at the expense of killing his loved ones (Pilate). Thus, Milkman’s expedition to Pennsylvania and later Virginia, which begins as a rather arbitrary and almost solely materialistic quest for gold, marks Milkman’s transition from a greedy individual who lacks appreciation for others, to a figure who is able to find greater value in his own life and …show more content…
As he is introduced to the wilderness Milkman quickly realizes that his material possessions can’t help him: “The low hills in the distance were no longer scenery to him. They were real places that could split your thirty-dollar shoes.” (256) The ruining of his shoes, of course, was a product of his unprepared trek to cave. The shedding of this ruined clothing may symbolize the shedding of old perspectives. Meanwhile his crossing of the river on the way to the cave, may be indicative of a baptism of sorts or an introduction to his new life. Despite Milkman’s novice approach to the wilderness, he endures these conditions and gains a respect for the natural world. It so happens, that this growing relationship with nature parallels his appreciation for his own ‘roots’ as he subsequently indulges in seeking out the mysteries of his ancestry. His escape into nature, allowed him to reclaim what is truly important and soothe the wounds of his