Song Of Solomon

The novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison tells a story of Milkman’s search of his moral development and his search of his own identity. Macon “Milkman” Dead III was on a road to isolation but evolves from a lost young man to a powerful adult that finally understands himself, his morals and his family. Macon is born to a special family where he has to deal with his father being materialistic and a society that is still racist. Throughout the novel, Milkman discovers himself , family values, overcomes society and learns to overall be the best that he can be as a person. Milkman’s father, Macon Dead Jr., is an African American businessman that prides himself on the amount of money and land he owns. He believes that he earns respect and power by the amount of wealth he has. Macon Dead having this mindset has caused him and his family to be completely disconnected from the racial issues affecting African Americans. Macon Jr. believes that money is the source of everything which has caused him to lack caring for his family. He tells his son, Milkman, "Let me tell you right now the one important thing that you'll ever need to know: Own things. And let the things you own own other things too. Then you'll own yourself and other people too”. Which is a very interesting saying since Macon Jr.’s descendant were slaves. He also has no respect for women or the poor in his town. As a result of Macon Jr’s qualities it has caused Milkman to grow up with the same traits as his father. Milkman becomes an arrogant man that uses women and believes money is everything. While Milkman is living in his home in Michigan he views the world the same way his father does, as an materialistic world where money gives you power. Because of this trait it leads him to Virginia to look for gold. Milkman going to Michigan once again shows that he is looking for a material treasure but it also shows that he is trying to find himself as an individual. While looking for the treasure