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Song Of Solomon Diction Analysis

525 Words3 Pages
Song of Solomon, a novel written by Toni Morrison in 1977 spans over the course of 30 years during which the protagonist, Macon Dead, embarks on a quest for cultural identity. In a small excerpt retrieved from the novel’s first chapter, we see how Macon observes his estranged sister Pilate, along with her daughter and granddaughter, through a window. Through the narrator’s vivid descriptions, symbolic setting, and witty comparisons, Morrison conveys a conflicted relationship between the observer and the observed. In this piece, Morrison utilizes vivid diction that works on multiple levels. For example, in the text he uses specific phrases to create a image and representation as if we (the readers) are present. He demonstrated Macon’s fascination
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Toni Morrison frequently incorporates her familial background into her literary works. She is an African-American female author who was told African myths and folktales by her family members, who she credits for “instilling in her a love of reading, music and folklore” (“Toni Morrison”). Morrison is fully in touch with and appreciative of her ancestral background, and because of this, she reiterates these tales in her writings. In Song of Solomon, Morrison employs a wide variety of African cultural traditions and folklores to create a unique narrative regarding an African-American man’s quest for self-discovery and his true cultural identity, one that is absent from his current community. One of the most prominent African myths discussed

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In Song of Solomon, written by Toni Morrison, deep concern for not only the existence and development of the black community is shown, but also for human beings in general. Questions such as “Why and how are individuals isolated from society?” , “What voice is created in isolation?”, and even “How does an individual resolve conflict between personal ethics and social morality?” strictly apply to Song of Solomon. Milkman, the protagonist, embarks on an unwitting search for his roots and ties to the black community, all while feeling isolated from society.

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Through Golding’s constant use of diction, as well as metaphors, throughout his novel, Lord of the Flies, he is able to convey his view of human nature which portrays that humans are innately evil and it is only a matter of time and circumstance until said evil is acted upon. For example, Golding uses diction as Ralph, Piggy, and Samneric arrive at Castle Rock and notice the clay in which the tribe members have used to paint their faces. Ralph describes the boys as being “Freed by the paint”(Golding 175). Golding uses diction to portray the effect of the paint on the boys identities and how it is able to induce the inherent evil within them. The clay on their faces de-individualizes the boys and allows them to part from their previously civilized

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Toni Morrison’s novel Song of Solomon tells the story of Macon “Milkman” Dead, a character completely alienated from his community, his family and his heritage. The readers follow his journey, during which he attempts to find his “inheritance” of gold that his father, Macon Dead, believes was hidden by Pilate Dead. Instead, he travels to the fictional town of Shalimar where his family line began in America in order to fully understand the cultural heritage that has been left for him - in the process experiencing an understanding of the word home. Home is often represented by the motif of cherries, which different people in Milkman’s immediate family - eventually including Milkman encounter throughout the book. Even though these events are

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Despite being together for many years, Milkman’s blunt attitude and inability to value love results in their break-up, as well Hagar attempting to murder him. Additionally, there is Milkman’s father, Macon Dead II, also simply known as Macon Dead, who is the wealthiest man in town. Macon constantly feels the need to show off his wealth as well as be the most powerful person he

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It is important to understand that different tones are created to support different themes, as revealed through both Rowlandson’s and Erdrich’s texts. Through specific diction, an author can achieve a captivating tone which will support the message the author is trying to communicate. Words alone are powerful, as they hold immeasurable value and meaning capable of leaving a lasting

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Throughout literature, most novels incorporate an adventure and an exploration theme about the hero journeying to find their path. In the novel Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison, it begins depicting Milkman as a feeble dependent character that relies on his friends and family for all of his needs. However, as the novel progresses the view of Milkman develops into an independent figure through a journey. Milkman’s personality and mindset shift as the purpose of the journey diverts away from gold and greed. He comes to realize what’s important in the world and begins exploring what really matters; his race, family’s homes, and identity in the world.

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In the novel Lord of the Flies, author William Golding selectively uses diction in chapter titles to reveal main ideas throughout the novel. One such chapter is “The Sound of the Shell,” the first chapter in Lord of the Flies. Denotations of the words “sound” and “shell” are used; for example, “sound” indicates the audible vibrations that travel through the air, the emitting of sound, or to convey a warning, while “shell” means the hard, protective outer case of a mollusk, or an outer form without substance. Through the use of denotations, Golding gives the reader a literal interpretation or (a rather short) preview of possible events that could occur during the chapter.

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In life kids are known to be naive and innocent to the ways of the world. They think everything is fun and games up until they experience a phenomenon that makes them grow up. At times those experiences can be traumatizing and extremely tense. In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the main character Ralph experiences first hand what a human with a dark heart can do. William Golding uses diction, imagery and detail to set an intense tone for the story.

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In Song of Solomon, Morrison illustrates internalized racism through appearance, self-worth and love as important components of self-identity. The book Song of Solomon by Tori Morrison is about African Americans who search for their cultural identity. One of the main characters, Macon “Milkman” Dead is isolated from his family, his community, and his historical and cultural roots. His aunt, Pilate and his best friend, Guitar helps on his physical and spiritual journey to reconnect with his past and realize his self-worth. However, he is not the only character who has a hard time coping with her appearance and identity.

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Linda Pastan, in her collection of poems, The Imperfect Paradise, uses abnormal diction in order to describe event’s within the speakers’ lives. These events are generally viewed under one emotional lense, but through keywords are viewed through an entirely different emotion. Specifically, in the poem “To a Daughter Leaving Home,” Pastan uses “screaming,” “breakable,” and “waving goodbye” to describe a mother watching her daughter riding a bike for the first time. Conventionally, teaching a child how to ride a bike is seen as a good thing; however, Pastan is able to show, through diction, the speaker’s true panic and anxiety of watching her daughter grow up.

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In detailing the events that led up to her change in perspective, she made note of the honeysuckle that covered the walls of the well-house, the warm sunshine that accompanied going outdoors, and the cool stream of water that she felt as she placed her hand under the spout. These details kept the reader with her in the moment as she felt something less simple, but still universal; the returning of a, “ misty consciousness as of something forgotten.” In using rich diction, she maintained a sense of intimacy with the reader which allowed her to call on personal details from her own life and theirs. Later in the passage, she described how, once the reality of language was opened to her, and she returned to the house, “every object which I touched seemed to quiver with life.” She had gone through a complete shift of perspective, one that, to her, was felt entirely through senses other than sight or sound.

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Selfishness and greed would have to be a common trait for humans. Macon Dead Jr, in Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, happens to demonstrate both of these traits. Macon Dead Jr. was the first black boy to be born in Mercy Hospital. He is also known as “Milkman,” because his mother breastfed him until he was four-years-old. Milkman is a very selfish person and would never take the time to stop to help others.

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Additionally, the narrator realizes her consciousness is constantly changing as she “loves the thing untouched by lore…the thing that is not cultivated… the thing built up” (473). The narrator’s consciousness faces another struggle between trying to find equal good in both the culture of her people and the new culture that has been introduced to her. Yet, she stands boldly “one foot in the dark, the other in the light” (473), as she forms a bridge between the two cultures and is stuck while she tries to understand her sense of self. Finally, the silent voice, a metaphor for her faith, calls out to her.

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