Song Of Solomon Essay
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It is within human nature to label everything with a name. Sometimes these names have comprehensible meanings and other times they do not. Often things obtain names due to tradition or extenuating circumstances. Names play an important role throughout Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon. The names given to the characters in the novel often show their true character or give the reader a clue as to who the character really is. Within the novel many things are given nicknames which clarify how the reader is to interpret the connotations given to them.
Names often represent freedom or oppression within the novel. The name Macon Dead represents the oppression Milkman's grandfather underwent under the bondage of slavery and racisim. When Milkman eventually learns his grandfather's real name he realizes what an impact a name can have and develops a great deal of respect for his name and his heritage.
Throughout his life Milkman also discovers that names can be unreliable yet still appropriate in many aspects, such as his very own name which he acquires in a unique fashion...