Page #
19 Riverboat
pilot or Christ-killing Pilate
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Ideas about Pilate
Ideas about Pilate:
- Named after the Pontius Pilate who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus in the New Testament
- Have traveled to many states throughout her life (roaming) but gives up this lifestyle in order to raise her family
- Lack of bellybutton alienates her from society and fully revealing herself to others
- She cannot take a lover unless under darkness
- She serves as a guide (pilot), knowledgeable of geography and human nature and always assisting someone in their path whether it is Milkman or her father’s spirit.
- She wishes that she could have known more people so that she could have loved more people when she is dying in Milkman’s arms.
- She is protective and generous with those that she loves as her natural personality traits are loving and somewhat selfless
- Pilate’s singing connects her to her family’s path even when she knows nothing much about it she sings about Sugarman’s flight.
- She maintains an idea of the past throughout the story which also helps to drive other characters such as Macon Jr. and Milkman who both enjoy her singing and the history of their family once it is discovered.
- The song Pilate sings assists Milkman in finding the truth about his past ancestors.
- Pilate is strong-willed yet gentle and selfless yet free which displays that certain characteristics do not come at the expense of others
- After she dies, milkman realizes that she is able to fly without leaving the ground because during her entire life she was already free
- She is the exact opposite of Ruth Foster – Pilate does not follow by the typical stereotype of submissive black women at the time
- Pilate is a storyteller and teacher serving as somewhat of the village elder who carries wise tales and advice
- She dabbles in the art of voodoo with those around her in certain situations
- She is associated with images of snakes and serpents throughout the novel
- Pilate creates her own wealth in her own way rather than her brother Macon Jr.
- Money is not as important of an object for her as love is.
Stories
Song of Solomon – Stories
The novel “Song of Solomon,” revolves around stories as the basis for explanation of how things have come to happen. Instead of the author directly telling us how things occurred in the past, she uses the characters and their flashbacks as her method of explanation. Stories are part of the style in which the book is written since every time a new idea or event is introduced, it is followed by a story. Throughout the book, new events or ideas are introduced in a very straight forward manner with no anticipation as to how things occurred. The explanation comes after the event is stated; the characters go back and talk about what happened before that led up to the present.
Storytelling is also used to explain the personalities of the character and the relationships between everyone in the book. An example of that is when Macon sits with Milkman, and tells him the story of when he was a child. Macon tells Milkman about his father, Pilate, and Ruth and how he felt about them. Stories are the way each character expresses what he or she really feels and it gives a deeper explanation of each character’s personality. Storytelling is how we get to meet each character individually and how we understand what led to their present situations. Through storytelling we learn why Macon is so cold towards Ruth, his relationship to Dr. Foster, Ruth and Dr. Foster’s relationship, Pilate and Macon’s relationship, Macon and Pilate’s relationship to their father and their relationship with the gold, etc. At first Milkman wishes he hadn’t heard any of the stories people tell him but throughout the book they begin to influence him more and more. In the end, the stories he has heard and the new ones he hears are what drives him. He claims to be looking for the gold but he slowly begins to be intrigued by all the different stories he hears from his people and about his people. He begins to come up with his own ideas and becomes so interested on what he has heard and in finding out what really happened with his entire family that he forgets he is searching for the gold.
Areli Baires
Names
The reasons how people and places in “Song of Solomon” get their names is very significant. There are some obvious names such as Milkman’s name. Freddie the janitor saw his Milkman’s mother Ruth, breastfeeding him at an unusual age. But there are some names where more research needs to be done and you need to further analyze the name. One name that struck me was the title of the book itself: “Song of Solomon.” There are many instances in the book that are tied to the story of Song of Solomon in the Bible. For example, Solomon (Milkman’s great grandfather) abandons his wife Ryna and it is said that you can still here her cries. This is similar to the Bible because the husband leaves his wife and she is filled with sadness. In the Bible, the story is a lyrical poem about a husband and wife. It demonstrates God’s design of marriage and how man and woman must live together and love each other spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This is also similar to Pilate’s story. She loved the man who she had a child with and he even offered to marry her. But she leaves him because she is ashamed of the fact that she has no navel. Again, this is similar to the Bible because when difficulties arise, someone leaves. The last reason why I think Toni Morrison title the book “Song of Solomon” is because singing and songs are a very repetitive part of the book. At the very start, Pilate is singing in a very large crowd. And in the end, Milkman breaks down and analyzes a song that he heard Pilate and some little girls singing. He starts to understand a little more about his past and he has a realization. Again, this is similar to the Bible because after the husband and wife reunite, they realize their love for each other and sing. The title “Song of Solomon” has a reason behind it. And that reason can be found by looking at the Bible and analyzing the characters’ past.
Emmelynn Gu
Emmelynn Gu
Religious Allusions
The topic I am covering that is a recurring theme in "Song of Solomon" is the allusions to the bible. I am interested in this aspect of the book because based on my own studing of the bible, I noticed a heavy use of content from the bible that Toni Morrisson integraded into her writing. And, it is not just naming her characters after prominent figures from the bible, but also utilizing iman important concept that the bible talks about: identity. For instance, Milkman's main goal in the book is to find out his true name, as he is at a lost to who he truly is. In the bible, When Jesus goes out into the world to find the men who will become his apostles, he comes across a fisherman named Simon. Simon was a man that was very emotionally unstable, feeling incredibly happy one day and completely depressed the next. When simon decided to follow Jesus after Jesus had performed a miracle in his life, Jesus gave Simon a new name. Simon's new name was now "Peter", which means "rock". When peter gave his life to jesus, he was given a new nature, one a person who is not easily shaken or deterred by any kind of trouble. There are other instances in the bible where God renames those he has called, ultimately tranforming that person's character and identity for the better.
Ricky R.
Ricky R.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Material Possession - Jonathan Rivera
Material possession is a theme that occurs repeatedly throughout the entire novel.
An example of this theme is the relationship between Milkman Dead and Hagar.
The interpretation of this relationship by both parties involved is completely different on both ends.
Although it is true that at first Milkman did feel an attraction towards Hagar, by his 30's he discards her like an object.
Milkman's letter to Hagar is a clear example of letting go; as "He did sign it with love, but it was the word "gratitude" and that flat-out coldness of thank you that sent Hagar spinning." (Morrison 99). Understandably, one can sympathize with Hagar, as she has just been disposed off.
Milkman never loved Hagar; she however, fell desperately in love.
Milkman's cold attitude toward Hagar reflects on his growing obsession with money.
Since her social class is not high, Milkman, although he enjoys her company, rids himself of her in order to look for better prospects.
Over the course of time, one can see how the relationship that developed between them changed.
His interest for her was great at the beginning, then as the relationship became more sexual, he lost interest and began to think more about money.
An example of this theme is the relationship between Milkman Dead and Hagar.
The interpretation of this relationship by both parties involved is completely different on both ends.
Although it is true that at first Milkman did feel an attraction towards Hagar, by his 30's he discards her like an object.
Milkman's letter to Hagar is a clear example of letting go; as "He did sign it with love, but it was the word "gratitude" and that flat-out coldness of thank you that sent Hagar spinning." (Morrison 99). Understandably, one can sympathize with Hagar, as she has just been disposed off.
Milkman never loved Hagar; she however, fell desperately in love.
Milkman's cold attitude toward Hagar reflects on his growing obsession with money.
Since her social class is not high, Milkman, although he enjoys her company, rids himself of her in order to look for better prospects.
Over the course of time, one can see how the relationship that developed between them changed.
His interest for her was great at the beginning, then as the relationship became more sexual, he lost interest and began to think more about money.
Naming in Song of Solomon
Everyone is given a name at his or her birth. Our names are what identify us make us who we are. But the names on our birth certificate are not the only ways that some people identify themselves. Nicknames are also a common way of identifying a person. Although the names that are given to us, help us to easily identify ourselves it does not, in any circumstances define who we are as an individual. Milkman, for example, is given that nickname mainly because he was still breast fed by his mother at an older age. As you continue to read, the name of Milkman does not define him as being a "momma boy" or a "baby". It was only through unfortunate events that that nickname was bestowed onto him. Another example of naming in the book Song of Solomon, is by the name of the character Pilate Dead. Chosen by pointing randomly in a bible, her father (who was grieving the dead of his wife during delivery) decided to name his daughter after Pontius Pilate, the Christ Killer. Under the circumstance that her father was in no condition to make good decisions, he insisted in naming his daughter Pilate. But again, this naming does not define who she is as a character. While her name is shone in a negative light, Pilate as an individual is the exact opposite. The last example is the naming of Macon Dead. Being a result of a lazy name choosing process, the name "Macon Dead" has been passed down ever since the name was first written down accidentally. Written by a drunken Yankee in the union army, his pen literally slipped and the name of "Macon Dead" was born. All these examples only support the claim that the names of individuals do not define who they are as a person but rather only to identify themselves. Mostly all these names were created accidentally, with no regards to their personality.
-Neilanie Yadao
-Neilanie Yadao
Naming in Song of Solomon
Everyone is given a name at his or her birth. Our names are what identify us make us who we are. But the names on our birth certificate are not the only ways that some people identify themselves. Nicknames are also a common way of identifying a person. Although the names that are given to us, help us to easily identify ourselves it does not, in any circumstances define who we are as an individual. Milkman, for example, is given that nickname mainly because he was still breast fed by his mother at an older age. As you continue to read, the name of Milkman does not define him as being a "momma boy" or a "baby". It was only through unfortunate events that that nickname was bestowed onto him. Another example of naming in the book Song of Solomon, is by the name of the character Pilate Dead. Chosen by pointing randomly in a bible, her father (who was grieving the dead of his wife during delivery) decided to name his daughter after Pontius Pilate, the Christ Killer. Under the circumstance that her father was in no condition to make good decisions, he insisted in naming his daughter Pilate. But again, this naming does not define who she is as a character. While her name is shone in a negative light, Pilate as an individual is the exact opposite. The last example is the naming of Macon Dead. Being a result of a lazy name choosing process, the name "Macon Dead" has been passed down ever since the name was first written down accidentally. Written by a drunken Yankee in the union army, his pen literally slipped and the name of "Macon Dead" was born. All these examples only support the claim that the names of individuals do not define who they are as a person but rather only to identify themselves. Mostly all these names were created accidentally, with no regards to their personality.
I am really interested in the topic of material life and letting go. It seems as if everything in the book ties back to being weighed down by something and the characters being unable to let go. For instance, the part in the book where Milkman and Guitar are talking about stealing the green sack from Pilate's house and they run intothe peacock symbolizes "weighing down." Guitar said that the peacock couldn't fly very well because it was being weighed down from all the jewelry it had. Not just in the book but also in reality, there are things in life that bring us down such as past specific events or even pride. Without letting go of the past or whatever it is that is weighing us down, we will not be able to move on. Like Guitar stated, in order to fly, we need to get rid of what is weighing us down. The peacock also symbolizes wealth and how it can blind people. Peacocks are very proud creatures and they like to show off their tails. I feel that having the peacock be present in the used car lot was foreshadowing the fact that Milkman and Guitar were going to have an unsuccessful burglary. The peacock distracted the boys from discussing the plan of how they are going to get the gold. Milkman is weighed down because he is concerned with materialistic things such as money and is also tied down by his arrogance. Because of these things, he is unable to "fly."
-Marina Mirakyan
-Marina Mirakyan
Material Possession
Material possession is a reoccurring theme in the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. One of the more prominent characters that rely heavily on material items would be Macon Dead Sr. Macon and his wife, Ruth, have a complicated relationship. Macon treats Ruth poorly because of a past incident involving her father, in which they both have different stories for. Macon’s resentment for Ruth is one of the causes of Macon’s need for material possessions. For example, when Macon learns that his son’s new nickname is “Milkman,” he assumes that Ruth had something to do with it and he becomes angry so “Macon Dead dug in his pocket for his keys, and curled his fingers around them, letting their bunchy solidity calm him”(17). The “keys” Macon has represent all of the property he owns. Macon’s property is significant to him because it gives him a sense of fulfillment in which he does get from his marriage with Ruth. Over the years, as Macon and Ruth’s relationship grew colder, Macon’s need for material items has grown stronger.
material life of Milkman
Ryan Dixon
Material Life
- The peacock scene in Ch.8 (page 178) shows the material life between Guitar and Milkman.
- Ch. 8 Guitar only wants the gold for his TNT and Milkman only wants it to get away.
- Ch. 10 (page 237) Milkman is talking to Reverend Cooper about his father and it shows how much Milkman's family is centered around having nice objects and the "owning" of different objects.
- Once Milkman stepped into the cave on page 251 all he talks about is the smell of money and not about trying to find his past.
- In part 2 Milkman needs to forget about the gold and just focus on his past and find out more about where he came from so he can mature.
- On page 257 Milkman says he wanted the gold just to own it.
- Through his journey to find the gold however he is maturing and finding out more about life that black men face everyday and also about his family history
Francisco Sepulveda - Naming
Throughout the novel Song of Solomon we see how naming plays a critical role. The novel begins with how the naming of streets differs between the locals and officials of the city. The actual name of the street on which Mercy Hospital is located is "Mains Avenue". The citizens of this town called this street Doctor Street since it was where the only colored doctor in town lived and died on. The novel continues on the same page by saying that "once more colored people moved into the area and the postal service became a popular way of sending messages between people" then the government interfered because people had to enlist into the military. Many people put that they lived on Doctor Street showing the alienation that the residents had from the other towns. The officials said that the street was "not Doctor Street" instead of helping the problem the residents continued with the name "Not Doctor Street" and named the hospital "No Mercy Hospital" All these ideas about naming shows how people prefer on going with the tradition of how they named things. All the residents of this town did not trust the written or recorded name. This idea also relates to how Milkman felt determined to find out the real name his grandfather had and did not "agree" with the name and did not go with what was the "recorded" name given from the Yankee soldier.
Stories
Stories are a recurring theme in this book. Throughout the book there are stories, and many of these stories are the same, just told by different perspectives. This book shows how stories can shape and influence history. For example at the very beginning of the novel there is the story of the water mark on the dining room table. This mark was there because everyday that her father was alive there was either fresh flowers or a plant. (12) She then goes on to talk about how she "talked endlessly to her daughters and her guests about how to get rid of it..Vaseline, tobacco, juice, iodine.. But her glance was nutritious; the spot became if anything, more pronounced as the years pasts." (11-12) Although this story of the water mark may seem insignificant, it symbolizes Ruth's relationship with her father and how she misses him more and more as the years go on.
One of the most important stories may be the story of the Song of Solomon and Macon Dead Sr. also known as Jack. When Milkman first talks to Susan Byrd she doesn't tell him the true story because her friend grace was there. The second time that Milkman shows up at her door he gets the real story. When Solomon asks about the 'flying Africans' she says "Oh, that's just some old folks' lie they tell around here. Some of those Africans they brought over here as slaves could fly. A lot of them flew back to Africa. The one around here who did was this same Solomon, or Shalimar." (322) This story shows how events have been passed through generations. After learning the truth about Solomon and his grandfather, Milkman finally is able to connect with his past, and finally 'grow up.' This shows how stories can define our lives.
Naming
Pilate—meaning "Christ-killing" or riverboat pilot
The name Pilate can be tied to the variety of themes Toni Morrison incorporates in Song of Solomon. Through random selection and a point of a finger her father chooses the name, which is assumed to explain the death of her mother during childbirth. The connection of her name can be in relation to the theme of the "death", which is mentioned periodically through out the book. Also, her not having a physical belly button could represent how she is not connected with society. She is different from the characters and by her not having a navel demonstrates a quality of being "divine". This comes from a religious perspective, God created Adam and Eve and in the Bible it says they do not have a belly button in that regard Adam and Eve can be similar to Pilate.
--Kristina Grindstaff
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