Song Of Solomon Milkman Character Analysis

At times people set goals they want to achieve. They may never achieve the goal but the values and lessons they learn on the journey are far more valuable. Milkman goes searching for the gold and on the way learns about himself. Milkman believes he wants to get away from his home and go in search for gold in another state. He has eyes set on the money from the gold. He is not concerned with other people or relationships. On his path he learns new ideas and looks deep within himself. In the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, Milkman’s search for gold is a metaphor for his search for himself, his realization of his faults and his growth throughout the journey.

Milkman begins to change and finds himself, he begins to look inward and become

Milkman begins to realize the indecent person he was and begins to change. Morrison writes, “ He also knew in all his life, Guitar had never seen Milkman give anybody a hand, especially a stranger; he also knew that they’d even discussed it, starting with Milkman’s not coming to his mother;s rescue in a dream he had”(296). Before Milkman's growth he did not come to rescue people. He was all about himself and did not care if others were suffering. He only wanted to share in their happiness not their suffering or sadness. Guitar who has known him from a young age is surprised that Milkman is helping people.This shows how before the journey Milkman was an inconsiderate person. He is starting to become a helpful person. Morrison shows the change in Milkman when he is coming back from hunting with the other Men. The author writes, “ They Hooted and laughed all the way back to the car, teasing Milkman, egging him on to tell more about how scared he was. And he told them. Laughing too, hard, loud, and long” (280). Before the journey Milkman did not like to laugh with others. He did not like to acknowledge his faults. He would try to cover up his faults. Now he is able to laugh and have fun with others. He has grown into a person who values relationships. He does not care if others believe he is not tough or cool now. He admits that he was scared.This is a substantial change from before. Milkman’s journey, learning and growth is shaping him into a person who people