The Importance of Names in Song of Solomon
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, names play a crucial role in shaping the identities and experiences of the characters. Throughout the novel, Morrison experiments with names to see how they reflect and shape a person's identity and sense of self. Through this process, she both uses names as symbols of heritage, but also white oppression, as most of the characters' formal names originate from a white slave owner. Because of this, Morrison downplays the importance of formal and written names, and embraces nicknames. Additionally, the names of Song of Solomon have more literal meanings, like Pilate and Circe (discussed later). Names help shape one of the book's central themes: the importance of understanding and reclaiming one's history and heritage. This is exemplified through Milkman's journey of self-discovery to Pennsylvania as he seeks to understand his family's past and his own identity. As Milkman begins to uncover the secrets of his family's pa...