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Authenticity In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon

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Authenticity In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon
Throughout the centuries many authors have attempted to capture the individuals quest for self-authenticity. In the novel Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison depicts the many aspects of self-actualization, as well as the tormenting road that leads to the shaping of an individual. Through beautiful language, with immense reality, she is able to describe young black mans journey as he uncovers his personal history, myth, and essence.
The story revolves around generations, past and present, of a black family in the south. The character of Milkman (Macon Dead jr.) evolves through the descriptions, events, and experiences of others. His parents, Macon Dead sr., and Ruth Foster Dead, represent the wall-blocking Milkman from his true authentic identity. …show more content…
Life is essentially easier to understand, because his perspective is wider and more fulfilling. In the end, Milkman is not completely happy with the information he has gained on his quest. However he had uncovered many mysteries and fears about his heritage, and past, and became comfortable with how he came to be. Milkman discovered things about his parent's relationships, and in the process discovered himself. By venturing into the unknown he became aware of many of the aspects that make up his own personal authenticity. In the novel Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison explores the events that shape young mans life. She explores this quest for authenticity with social concerns, cultural emptiness, family heritage, racial tensions, greed, and love. By touching so many aspects of life, Morrison is able to create a novel of epic proportions. With mystical dreams and mystical characters she envelops the reader in a world intriguing and powerful, painting an irreducible picture of a time long past. Yet her themes are so universal and well actualized that her story seems to exist in a time neither past nor present. " For now he know what Shalimar knew: If you surrendered to the air, you could ride it. (P337)" Morrison writes an inspirational story and truly captures the essence of a quest for an authentic
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