Song Of Solomon Rhetorical Analysis

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison is a fiction novel about African American life in the post-WWI era of America. The structure and content of the novel is particularly geared towards narrating the idea of control Conformations and deviations to the narrative in Song of Solomon build on this idea of control, especially in relation to Milkman, which comments on the desire for self-determination. Deviations and eventual conformations in the continuity of the novel compared to the conventions of other fictional novels reflects Milkman’s ability to steer through reality and gain freedom. Near the beginning of the novel, the chapters are more self contained, with each chapter being consolidated to itself without much fluidity that leads towards

The viewpoint is primarily centralized around one character, Milkman. This puts focus on his character development throughout the majority of the novel. This follows standard conventions of fictional novels, where the viewpoint is primarily centered on one or a select few main characters. Following this convention places emphasis on Milkman’s character progression, recording his shift from dependence to self-determination. However, many novels also have occasional shifts in viewpoint. This is also reflected in Song of Solomon where the viewpoint is briefly placed on Macon Dead and Hagar at certain chapters. When the viewpoint is on Macon Dead, his freedom and control over his life is emphasized, such as when he firmly presses Mrs. Bains to pay rent without compromise. When on Hagar, her lack of control is emphasized, such as when she kept spilling the contents of her shopping bag onto the pavement. The idea of control is present in the two different viewpoints, but are represented in different manners. The contrast between the degree of control the two have portray the outcomes of attempts at self-determination. Although self-determination is desired, the pursuit of such can end in success but has the chance of ending in a catastrophic

Milkman’s closest friend, Guitar, is convinced that Milkman has found a hidden stash of gold, and then attempts to murder him for it. Though, Guitar still considers Milkman a friend, as mentioned in page 298. This is odd considering Guitar’s status as one of few characters supporting Milkman. Relationships with legitimate friends are usually not this twisted in normal conventions. Guitars desire for the supposed gold he believes Milkman found drives him to nearly strangle Milkman to death. As a result, the freedom that Milkman has his own destiny is disrupted as now his best friend is after his life. Not only his best friend, but Milkman’s father also holds a similar front in the face of money. Macon Dead argues with Milkman when the latter attempts to take a leave from Macon’s workplace, saying that he needs to take care of what he’s “‘going to leave’”(163). Macon views his relationship with Milkman as one more business-related than blood-related. This is odd since conventionally family relations are held in priority over business ones. This indicates how much he wants Milkman attached to his business, and thus attached to circulation of money that the work provides. This is quite ironic considering that on the very same page, Macon claims that “‘money is freedom’”(163). In this instance, money constricts Milkman in the sense that