Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison deals with many real life issues, most of which are illustrated by the relationships between different family members. One archetypal relationship that Morrison includes in her book is the father son relationship. Macon Dead is a stern, unaffectionate father who is too engrossed in his career to associate himself with his own children. Milkman Dead, Macons son, desires a life apart from his family because he feels no cohesion between himself and his father. Although there is no communication between Macon and Milkman, Macon is actually dedicated to his son. This is not apparent to Milkman because Macon conceals his devotion for him. Macon decides to send his son on a trip to find gold that he discovered in a cave several years ago. Milkman unexpectedly uncovers his family's heritage through people he encounters that knew his father and his grandfather. Throughout the book Milkman's love for his father strengthens as he grows to understand him better. The sole reason for Milkmans journey for gold is to gain his fathers respect and show him that he is ambitious.
             Macon has always appeared to be cold and unforgiving even as a parent. But perhaps he was instigated by never having a mother and witnessing his own father's murder. Macon struggles with his attempts to converse with Milkman and the discussions between them are the same repetitive topic about Macon's great uprising. As Milkman grows up, he recognizes the emotional distance between his father and himself. He realizes that he had been leading an independent life, and decides that the best thing for him was to escape from his family and live by himself. However, an opportunity awaited Milkman that would change the void between him and his father.
             The hunt for gold induced the connection between Milkman and his father. This trip gave Milkman the chance to learn more of his father's past, the legacy of the Dead fa...