Naming in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon
In today's white culture it seems a day does not go by without coming across a John, Mary, Matthew or Sarah. Elisabeth and Andrew are as common as sun and rain. Perhaps this is why Toni Morrison places such an emphasis on unique and original names in her book Song of Solomon. Naming in the African American culture according to Morrison is more than just a way of distinguishing individuals but also a way of highlighting one's originality with names as exceptional as the individuals. This is seen in the story with characters, Milkman, Solomon, and Pilate. Although naming is officially done at birth, a character's nickname proves to be equally, if not more, important as an official name. This is most certainly true of the character Milkman. Milkman is born with the name of Macon Dead the Third, but it is not until the event surrounding his nickname that his story truly begins. The first few pages of Song of Solomon create an illusion that the story is only about Ruth Dead and her inconsiderate husband and unquenchable loneliness (Morrison, 1-15). Morrison informs us only two things in the world pleased her, a water stain on the dining room table that reminded her of her childhood and breast-feeding her son, des
One thing that we learn through the name and character of Solomon is that African American culture encourages pride in one's name. And a baby girl at that (19)"Circe said. A third and final character that gives the reader insight into African American naming is Pilate. Another aspect of African American culture that we learn from Milkman's name is that a name tells a lot about character. Milkman's name and the events surrounding it are also parallel his future relationship with his father, Macon Dead the Second. There was, at her birth, a protest to her name. Ruth's comfort in breast-feeding milkman remains even after Milkman has grown. Morrison shows this by having the Pilate tell her story to Ruth, despite having not seen her since Milkman's birth (141-151). Finally, through Pilate one learns that a unique and original name can represent a unique and original individual. Pilate withstood the opposition to her lifestyle and career, like her name withstood the scrutiny of the Circe. Pilate's character shows not only how having an original name is important in African American culture but also the importance of not conforming to status quo and allowing oneself to be intimidated into submission. " With such a unique and original birth, Pilate was destined to receive a unique and original name. For example, God gave Solomon, according to 1 Kings of the New International Version Bible, wisdom to be a great leader of God's chosen people. Milkman is motivated by the thought of Pilate, her gold and her lifestyle. Morrison includes more on the importance of naming in African American culture is the great-grandfather of Milkman, Solomon.
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Acceptance Essays
