Theme Of Symbolism In Song Of Solomon

In English literature symbolism has been used to offer readers an extensive and open minded meaning for simple words. “A symbol is a word, phrase or, other expression having the complex of associated meaning; in this sense, a symbol is viewed different from those as whatever being symbolized” (Fadaee 19). Tony Morrison in Song of Solomon uses symbols such as peacock, geography book, cave, eggs, ginger smell, darkness, and flying to add more depth and sense to the story. Using these symbols does not only extend the meanings of some words, but coverts them into a important tool for thoughtful interpretation.

Racism has been a sensitive issue that was illustrated by Toni Morison in his book. Most of the main characters in Song of Solomon are black, and only few are white. The author uses “white” characters to symbolize cruelty and misconduct that has been blooming at that period of time. When Guitar’s father accidentally dies in a sawmill accident, the white foreman did not show much compassion or support toward his family. Similarly, white animals like bull and peacock hold pessimistic associations in a book. A white bull causes Freddie’s mother to go into labor and die and the white peacock causes Guitar and Milkman to become gluttonous and obsessed with the idea of becoming wealthy. Therefore, the author signifies white color with unhappiness and discontent among “blacks”.

Correspondingly, Toni Morrison brings up an “egg’ many times in his book when talking about the relationship between white and black people. He illustrates the racial barriers and a struggle to feel personal freedom from the views of two African Americans, Milkman and Guitar. Milkman is careless and lay back; Guitar, on the contra...

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...the gloomy inside of the Dead family. It does not matter how many cleaning agents Ruth uses to remove the stain it does not go away and, even worst, it starts getting bigger. Eventually, she secretly has started to like the watermark because it connects her to her father.

Symbols are an essential part of a great story because they give the reader more to think about. "Symbolism can be used to describe any mode of expression, which refers to something indirectly through the medium of something else" (Hiltrud 1). All of the symbolic details that are used in Song of Solomon are put together to create a non-literal meaning directly beneath the words. It challenges readers' imagination and makes them expand their ordinary ways of thinking. By using those symbols, Morrison made the reading more comprehensive and some ideas and words more universal than literal.