Song of Solomon

Macon Sr. was killed for his farm, so Macon Jr. does all he can to acquire property, which Milkman sees as an example of how Macon Jr. loved his father and tried to be like him but took it too far. Macon Jr.’s wealth is like the peacock’s tail—it weighs him down, burdening him until he is unable to fly. How is Milkman similarly weighed down? How does he release his burdens and learn to fly?

The novel’s plot circles back as different characters ponder the details surrounding certain events, such as Milkman’s birth, Jakes’s death, Pilate’s naming, the murder in the cave, and Solomon’s flight. What is the effect of such repetition? Choose an event and track how the story changes with each repetition, paying particular attention to how the storyteller influences the memories that are revealed.

Milkman is pleased to discover that the murdering, thieving Butlers, who did everything they could to secure their legacy, even killing Milkman’s grandfather, ended up with no legacy at all. What is Milkman’s legacy?