Song of Solomon; Desire to Fly

Since the beginning of time human beings have had a fascination with human flight. As one watches a bird soar through the air they cannot help but desire that same capability. Imagine the point of view of the world from the bird that flies amoung the mountains, high above the trees, over the ocean and far away from the clamor of everyday life on the ground. To have the freedom and power to release ones self from the tribulations experienced with two feet on the ground, and spring up and away into the peaceful, blue sky, is a common human desire. Since ancient times, flight has represented the opportunity to free ones self from the chains of oppression. This theme of flight is exemplified in the novel Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison. In the conclusion of this novel, Milkman, the protagonist, jumps off of a cliff and towards Guitar Bains,the man that was once Milkman's friend but is now deranged and trying to murder him. The ending is left ambiguous, and it is not known if Milkman soars or simply crumbles to his death, it is only known that he attempts to "ride" the air. Thus, in Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison uses the unknown ending of this novel in conjunction with the ever-present theme of flying to emphasize the importance of Milkman's leap off of the cliff; it is not crucial to know if he soars or if he dies, but that he was able to reach such an understanding with his past as to be able to free himself and attempt to fly.
In the very beginning of Song of Solomon, the theme of flight and its importance to the African-American community is instantly established. This is shown when insurance agent Robert Smith jumped from the roof of Mercy Hospital, it marked an event: the first black woman was admitted to that hospital when she went into labor just outside the front doors. This expecting mother started into labor with her first son, who would be nicknamed Milkman, when "she saw Mr. Smith emerge as promptly as he had promised from behind the cupola, his wide