The novel is needed by African-Americans now in a way that it was not needed before – and it is following along the lines of the function of novels everywhere. We don‘t live in places where we can hear those stories anymore; parents don‘t sit around and tell their children those classical, mythological, archetypal stories that we heard years ago. But new information has got to get out, and there are several ways to do it. One is the novel.
With this statement Toni Morrison clearly suggests the function of her novel Song of Solomon. That is, on the one hand, the preservation of traditional Afro-American folktales and on the other hand their adaptation to contemporary times. Realizing this double function, it is very challenging to make the analysis of the mythological character of the novel the topic of a seminar paper. Song of Solomon is spiritually grounded in the folktale “People who could fly”, an Afro-American folktale, which depicts the escape of a community of slaves by taking flight. Therefore I will center my analysis on the motif of “flight” in the novel, presenting different ways of interpretation. First of all, I will point out the function of myth in Song of Solomon. In the third chapter I will concentrate on the folktale “People who could fly”, comparing it with Toni Morrison’s narration about Solomon. Being the focal point of this seminar paper, the discussion of the motif of “flight” follows in the fourth part. It deals with the connection between the motif of “flight”, which turns up time and again in Milkman’s life, and Milkman’s search for his identity. Moreover I will point out Pilate’s role in Milkman’s quest for his cultural heritage. The last chapter contains a discussion of the different modes of “flight” and their significance.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- II. The Function of Mythology in Song of Solomon
- III. The Motif of “Flight” in the Folktales of the “Flying Africans”
- 1. “Flight” as a Communal Escape in “People who could fly”
- 2. “Flight” as a Solitary Escape in Toni Morrison's Updated Version
- IV. The Motif of “Flight” in Song of Solomon
- 1. Milkman Dead’s Wish for Flight
- 2. Milkman’s Inauthenticity
- 3. Pilate, the Pilot
- 4. Milkman’s Authentic Identity
- V. Different Modes of “Flight”
- 1. Milkman’s Flight
- 2. Pilate, the Sugargirl
- VI. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This seminar paper analyzes the mythological aspects of Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, focusing on the motif of "flight" and its connection to the novel's themes of identity, cultural heritage, and escape from oppression. The paper explores how Morrison adapts the Afro-American folktale "People who could fly" to create a contemporary narrative that preserves and reinterprets traditional cultural values.
- The function of mythology in preserving and adapting Afro-American cultural norms.
- The motif of "flight" as a symbol of escape and liberation from slavery and oppression.
- Milkman Dead's search for identity and his connection to his cultural heritage.
- The role of Pilate in Milkman's journey of self-discovery.
- Different interpretations and modes of "flight" within the novel.
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central focus of the paper: the analysis of the motif of "flight" in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. It highlights Morrison's intention to preserve and adapt traditional Afro-American folktales for contemporary readers, emphasizing the novel's role in transmitting cultural values and knowledge. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, previewing the exploration of the folktale "People who could fly" and its connection to Milkman's identity search. The author clearly states the intention to examine different interpretations of "flight" throughout the narrative.
II. The Function of Mythology in Song of Solomon: This chapter delves into the concept of myth and its relationship to ideology, arguing that myths serve to maintain cultural beliefs and values while also offering solutions to contemporary conflicts. The author explains Morrison's intention to not simply incorporate a traditional folktale but to update and reinterpret it, transmitting both traditional wisdom and modern insights to new generations. This act of reinterpretation is central to Morrison's aim of making the folktale relevant and comprehensible to a contemporary Afro-American audience.
III. The Motif of “Flight” in the Folktales of the “Flying Africans”: This chapter analyzes the folktale "People who could fly," focusing on two key aspects: the communal escape represented in the original version and its transformation in Morrison's retelling. The communal aspect highlights the shared experience of slavery and the collective effort towards liberation. The chapter sets the stage for comparing this communal "flight" with the individual journey of Milkman in the novel.
Keywords
Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison, Afro-American folktales, mythology, flight, identity, cultural heritage, escape, oppression, liberation, Milkman Dead, Pilate, "People who could fly".
Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon: A Deep Dive into Flight and Identity
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the mythological aspects of Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, specifically focusing on the motif of "flight" and its connection to themes of identity, cultural heritage, and escape from oppression. It explores how Morrison adapts the Afro-American folktale "People who could fly" to create a contemporary narrative.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the function of mythology in preserving and adapting Afro-American cultural norms; the motif of "flight" as a symbol of escape and liberation; Milkman Dead's search for identity and his connection to his cultural heritage; the role of Pilate in Milkman's journey; and different interpretations and modes of "flight" within the novel.
How does the paper structure its analysis of "flight"?
The paper begins with an introduction outlining its scope and methodology. It then delves into the function of mythology in Song of Solomon before analyzing the motif of "flight" in the folktale "People who could fly," differentiating between communal and solitary escape. Subsequently, it examines "flight" in Song of Solomon through the lens of Milkman's journey, Pilate's role, and various interpretations of "flight" within the novel. The paper concludes by summarizing its key findings.
What is the significance of the folktale "People who could fly"?
The folktale "People who could fly" serves as a crucial point of comparison and context. The paper analyzes how Morrison adapts this traditional Afro-American folktale, highlighting the transformation from communal escape in the original to the individual journey of Milkman in the novel. This adaptation is central to understanding Morrison's transmission of both traditional and modern insights.
What is the role of Milkman Dead in the analysis?
Milkman Dead's journey of self-discovery is central to the paper. His search for identity and his connection to his cultural heritage are explored through the lens of "flight," examining his wish for flight, his inauthenticity, and ultimately, his achievement of authentic identity.
What is the role of Pilate in the narrative?
Pilate plays a significant role in Milkman's journey of self-discovery. The paper examines her character and her influence on Milkman's understanding of "flight" and his own identity.
What are the different interpretations of "flight" in the novel?
The paper examines various interpretations of "flight," distinguishing between Milkman's literal and metaphorical flights, as well as Pilate's unique understanding and experience of "flight". It analyzes how these different modes of "flight" contribute to the overall themes of the novel.
What are the key takeaways from the paper?
The paper highlights Morrison's skillful adaptation of traditional Afro-American folktales to create a contemporary narrative relevant to modern audiences. It emphasizes the multifaceted nature of "flight" as a symbol of escape, liberation, and self-discovery within the context of Afro-American history and identity.
- Quote paper
- Daniela Grosche (Author), 2003, Mythology in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon: The motif of "flight", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/32351
