Love is a universal human emotion explored in many ways through writing. In novels, romance is shown to be a common theme. It is used to show love in ways that readers can sympathize and relate to, but love can also be shown in different ways. There is more to love than romantic feelings for another person. For example, people show immense pride and love for their family, friends, culture, and even themselves. Though there is also often the rejection of these emotions, humans always find a way to show their love and appreciation for what they care about.
This can be seen in many novels, especially Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, which follows the life of Macon Dead III., referred to by the nickname Milkman. There are many instances of different types of love throughout the novel. Most commonly it is the love of family, culture, or of a lover. In the beginning Ruth, Milkman’s mother, is revealed to have had an obsessive love of her father. This is one reason for Macon Dead Jr.’s eventual feelings of disgust and disdain towards his wife. Milkman’s relationship with his father is strained, as he cares more for his mother. At one
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Yet, in the end ends up on a journey to discover the past of his paternal grandfather. His love for his culture and long-lost family history drives him to the true story of his grandfather, the first Macon Dead. Along the way he discovers Macon Dead’s real name was Jake, and in order to unearth more of his story goes to his home in Shalimar, Virginia. There he discovers his great-grandfather was Solomon, an escaped slave who ‘flew’ back to Africa. After going home to tell Macon Jr. and his aunt, he and Pilate return to Shalimar to finally bury Jake’s bones on the mountain Solomon’s Leap. In a heartbreaking turn of events Pilate is accidentally shot and killed by Milkman’s former friend Guitar. In a final show of love Milkman sings Solomon’s song to