Biblical Allusion in Song of S
Biblical Allusions in Song of Solomon Upon first glance at the title of Toni Morrison's novel, Song of Solomon, one might typically be reminded of its readily apparent biblical connection. The Song of Songs, one of the seven Wisdom Books of the Bible, is commonly referred to as the 'Song of Solomon,' since its authorship is often attributed to the biblical King Solomon. Predominantly and at its surface, the Song of Songs is an extended love poem (Imbrie 474). Biblical scholars argue that the book attempts to metaphorically convey Jesus' love for the Church and his people in terms of human love (New American Bible, ed. preface, Song of Songs 1). Because of this connection, many scholars assert that the title attempts to further the motif of sexuality apparent throughout the book (Imbrie 475). When placed in more subtle contexts within the novel, however, certain other meanings may be derived. The character of Solomon within the novel relates closely to King Solomon of the Old Testament and, additionally, brings forth more profound metaphorical connections to the New Testament. Though this focuses more strictly upon the parallels between the Solomons as characters, the love parallels between Song of Songs and Song of Solo
" Journal of Church and State 39. Wichita: Fireside Bible Publishers, 2002. (Morrison 304)Ryna, Morrison reveals, married Solomon, and, upon Solomon's departure, went insane in some capacity. Consequently, the Song of Solomon and the passage from Romans that introduces the novel are closely related, since the beloved of the Old Testament, Solomon's bride, is analogous to God's chosen people in the New Testament. However, amidst the tremendous glories of Solomon's reign looms a darker side to this mysterious King. Furthering this love allegory is Milkman's journey to his grandfather's ancestral home in rural Virginia. From the perspective of the Hebrew historian, he was "unsurpassed for sagacity and knowledge," and with this wisdom this helped to bring peace to ailing Israel ("Solomon"). His foreign policy was "one of international friendship and peace"--he built a particularly powerful alliance with the Pharaoh of Egypt ("Solomon"), from whom he came to receive his eventual bride. Morrison, as noted earlier, alludes to the alienation of the Jews from Jehovah throughout Beloved. According to Peggy Ochoa, allusions to this Old Testament's "poignant and erotic passage" regulate relationships between characters, and, furthermore, define relationships between groups of people, whether it be nations or races. Solomon indeed attempts to symbolize, on a literal level in the first person, the consummation of love between a man and a woman.
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