(1977), Toni Morrison’s third novel, established the author’s reputation as a literary voice whose extraordinary depth and originality of expression opened up new possibilities for fictional renderings of the African American past and present, while simultaneously addressing universal themes. Unlike most of Morrison’s fictional works, which focus on the subjectivity of female protagonists,

features a male protagonist, Milkman Dead, who passes through various physical, mental and spiritual vicissitudes to arrive at a better understanding of himself and of his African American heritage. The narrative renders the protagonist’s gradual awakening in the form of a journey that takes him from an unnamed Michigan town on the shore of Lake Superior through…

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Citation: Maragou, Helena. "Song of Solomon". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 15 February 2019 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=1996, accessed 25 November 2024.]