Theme Of Character Development In Song Of Solomon

Song of Solomon’s protagonist Milkman plays a crucial role in the novel’s major focal point of character development. The novel can be appropriately labeled a Bildungsroman due to its clear and continuous creation of Milkman’s characteristics. Throughout the text readers can see changes made within the character, such as his reactions to situations and the language he uses when he is talking and thinking. Milkman commences the novel as a confused, spoiled young man who feels he deserves the world. However, at a certain point in the novel, it is clear that he reaches an epiphany, a change in heart, that matures him. The pivotal point in Milkman’s moral and psychological development is when he is alone hunting in the mountains. In this†¦show more content†¦This moment of clarity matures the protagonist of the novel. A major aspect of the plot is a hunt for gold; Milkman travels hundreds of miles to find a bag of gold left behind by his aunt P ilate or father. However, it can be inferred through the text that Milkman’s hunt for gold symbolizes his search for his family history. He is intrigued by his family’s past and wants to understand who he came from. This quest, however, brings Milkman not only knowledge of his ancestors, but maturity. The â€Å"gold† Milkman finds is in fact clarity. The monologue in this scene depicts his accumulative awareness of his actions and who he is as a person. He realizes that â€Å"...he thought he deserved only to be loved- from a distance, though- and given what he wanted† (Morrison 277). This comprehension of his selfish, merciless manner is truly the â€Å"gold† he was looking for. This hunting scene is not only significant for Milkman’s newly-found perception of himself and his actions, but it gives the protagonist a feeling of humbleness and independence. Throughout the novel, Milkman has always been extremely dependent; when he is not relying on his social status, Milkman utilizes his wealth and luxury to support his fragile personality. The Deads are a very affluent and successfulShow MoreRelatedThe Development Of Memory And Truth. After Doing Research1194 Words   |  5 PagesThe Development of Memory and Truth After doing research on Post Traumatic Stress disorder, there seemed to spark a striking argument of truth in memory based on how it is retrieved and convoluted with people’s previous perceptions. Truth and fact can be altered based on one’s viewpoint of a subject and preceding experiences. Authors can portray common themes in novels using drastically different methods such as character development, stylistic structures, and literary devices. 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