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Flight to Freedom

In Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison, flight represents a metaphor for escapism; the avoidance of issues one faces until the inevitability of a confrontation. The cycle begins with Solomon, who is essentially the forefather of the Dead legacy. He is renowned for his ability to fly, granted for his escape from slavery- although his escape causes the insanity 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 coincides with Hagar's death. For Milkman, flight is connected to the idea of a legacy through his adaptation and rediscovery of his family's past through Solomon.

Milkman's inability to fly at the story's beginning is attributed to his lack of progression. Macon and Ruth's indoctrinating policies inhibit Milkman's self-identity, depriving him of his flight. Milkman discovered "that only birds and airplanes could fly," signaling he is chained down by his family (Morrison 9). This flightlessness makes Milkman prone to outside influences, such as when Macon tries to force his legacy onto Milkman. In our play, Macon mentions that Milkman is "also [his] successor," denying Milkman the freedom to develop his own identity. Milkman's personality and ideals are assimilated from Macon, shown through his materialistic and egotistical way of thinking. However, Milkman fosters a sense of identity when he leaves the "eagle's nest" and explores what lies beyond his small nest.

After Milkman arrives in Shalimar, he learns more about his family's legacy by hearing about Solomon's ability to fly. Solomon's legacy is accumulated in his ability to fly, as our play mentions that Solomon "learned to fly like all eagles did - by spreading his wings," showing Solomon's capability to be free through flight. Milkman firmly holds onto this idea with his connection to Solomon's legacy in Shalimar. This legacy metaphorically runs through his blood, as everyone in Shalimar, including Milkman, inherits the freedom that Solomon expresses. Milkman accepts Solomon's legacy when he leaps into the air, remarking that "if you surrendered to the air, you could ride it" (Morrison 337). Milkman surrenders to the flight by giving up on the materialistic view that held him in the past and embracing the idea of escapism while leaving any problems he had behind. This self-oriented idea of freedom becomes the fundamental concept behind Solomon's legacy, which finally passes down to Milkman when he takes flight.

The idea of flight as a means of escape is important because it contradicts human nature. Human nature generally makes one prone to holding onto past problems and chains one down from being free. On the contrary, to fly means surrendering to the present, disregarding the past and future, and fully embracing the freedom of not worrying about one's problems.