Reference no: EM133320580
Case: In "Song of Solomon," flight is used as a metaphor for escapism; the avoidance of issues one is faced with until they're forced into confrontation. The cycle begins with Solomon, who is essentially the forefather of the Dead legacy. He is renowned for his ability to fly, which is granted for his escape from slavery- although it is expected at the cost of his wife, Ryna, and their shared twenty-one children. Milkman follows a similar progression through the novel, shown through his discovery of his family's legacy that happened to coincide with Hagar's death. For Milkman, flight is connected to the idea of legacy by his adaptation and rediscovery of his family's past through Solomon.
Milkman's lack of flight in the beginning of the story accumulated to his lack of progression. Macon and Ruth's parenting deprived Milkman of his ability to fly due to their almost indoctrinating policies aimed towards shaping Milkman into who they want him to be, thus removing any sense of self-identity. The narrator remarks that Milkman discovered "that only birds and airplanes could fly", signaling his lack of freedom due to his circumstances (Morrison 9). This flightlessness makes Milkman prone to outside influences, such as when Macon tried to force his legacy onto Milkman. Even as Milkman develops into a somewhat strong opposition to Macon, his personality and ideals are already tainted by Macon, shown through his materialistic and self centered personality. However, Milkman finally starts to develop a sense of identity when he leaves the "eagle's nest" and explores what lies beyond his small world.
After Milkman left Michigan, he rediscovered his family's legacy, symbolized
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Scene 1 (Before Kazakhstan):
Narrator: A flock of birds is seen taking care of their offspring. But one is not an ordinary chicken like the rest. A male golden eaglet, unable to commence flight. A true clash between nurture and nature is seen.
Milkman: I've wondered, why is it that I am so unlike my siblings? My wings have been clipped since I was but a young nestling and seldom do I have the allowance to stretch my wings, if not under your watchful eye. [Tries to stretch wings in jagged movement but fails]
Macon and Ruth (in unison): That is because you are mine, son. [Dramatically point at Milkman]
[Both start to circle Milkman while pointing at him menacingly]
Milkman: ...Yours? I am my own person, am I not? [Hand gesture towards self]
Macon: That you are, son. But you are also my successor. [looks away into the distance dramatically]
Ruth: You are the proof of my passions. [Ruth's gaze lingers on Milkman, as though reminiscing on past affections]
Macon: Passion can only get you so far, son. Your name is telling; Milkman. Your mother would've latched onto anyone, had it not been you onto her bosom first. Alas, she was driven to fantasy by your restraint, politeness, and disinterest. Her 'passions' are intense but confined for she has long been reliant on self control. And even with this restraint, she grows more unhinged by the 'morrow.
Narrator: Ruth's face twists into a grimace. She says nothing but the drawn out silence is revealing. She stands with her feet grounded to the floor, just like she had been to the memory of her father, not once lifting her wings to take flight.
Scene 2 (Kazakhstan part):
Narrator: The eaglet, over a course of four years, has matured and can currently be observed grappling with the internal war between his inherited species and his learned traits. Interested in what lay beyond the ranch that has bound him most of his adolescence, he wanders past the coop walls to explore new horizons.
Milkman: Maybe I'll find some more food in the south. [walks away]
Narrator: The eagle walks aimlessly until he stumbles upon an aerie, the nest of another eagle.
Milkman: What is this place? [looks around]
Susan: It is Kazakhstan, the homeland of golden eagles.
[Points at flag of Kazakhstan]
Milkman: You're telling me there are more to my family? And they look like me! [Surprised face]
Susan: That is plausible. Most 'round here share a common ancestor. His name was Solomon. After he flew ... [switches to a somewhat ominous voice] he was never seen again.
Milkman: How'd he fly? [curious look]
Susan: [in a strong wise voice] He learned to fly as all eagles did - by spreading his wings. You must know that it is not effective immediately, you refine your ability through making the effort. The fruits of your labor sow gradually over time.
Narrator: The golden eagle is amazed that the blood that runs down his avian circulatory system is connected to the blood of a high flier. [Milkman's mouth slightly opens with amazement and looks at himself]The golden eagle with his newfound comprehension of what he was and his connection to Solomon. He feels ready, he takes a leap of faith [Milkman jumped off chair], knowing that the air would surely carry him.