Research on Material Life

Page #

31-32         Macon Dead’s hearse

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.

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

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 things

When looking into the relationship between a character and their physical possessions, Milkman Dead and Guitar are on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Milkman Dead places a high emphasis on his physical possessions, the location where he lives, and where spends his free time (such as Honoré Island). Guitar on the contrary, doesn’t care much about physical objects but rather about the ability for all blacks to control their own lives.

Macon Deads interpretation of the “inheritance” that the green sack hanging from Pilates ceiling contains demonstrates plenty about what he values, money. After attempting to steal the gold that he believed lied in the sack (with the help of Milkman and Guitar) he is shocked to discover that the contents of the bag are actually not valuable at all. In reality though, the several physical objects that Pilate has kept are extremely valuable to her because of the sentimental value that they posses.

It is interesting to note that the only attributes that Macon Dead and Milkman truly share (other than their name) is their “lover for good shoes and fine thin socks,” (Pg 63) a superficial and material thing. It likely represents their mutual feeling of superiority over other individuals, including other blacks in their community. Additionally, Macon Dead utilized his car to parade his family and as as a means to “...satisfy himself that he was indeed a successful man.” (Pg 31)

Lissette Estala