Are We Finished?

I assume most of you are finished and are itching to move on to The Milagro Beanfield War. But before we move on, what did you think of Song of Solomon? I have always had difficulty with the end of the novel for a number of reasons: Pilate’s death angers me, Guitar’s part in the death goes against the all that he represents, Hagar’s death upsets me, and much more. What did you think? Any personal response would be nice.

Aside from the gut responses, what did you find interesting about the novel. Naming/Names are very important in this novel, so does anyone have an answer so some of the names and their significance? Particularly Dead, Pilate, Circe, and Guitar.

I found a number of fairy tale references/allusions throughout the novel and I can’t seem to make sense of them…perhaps you all can help. The “secret power Rumpelstiltskin had given her: to see golden thread stream from her very own shuttle” (13-14); “When Hansel and Gretel stood…” (219); “Witches in black dresses and red underskirts…” (239); and “She lay in her little Goldilocks’-choice bed…” (314). I know these are purposeful, I just am not sure of the purpose.

Also, any comment on Milkman’s journey back to his ancestral past? He leaves the city, loses most of his goods, learns his history, and learns how to fly. Lots to comment on here.

What about Hagar’s death? I would love to hear from the ladies in the class about what Morrison might be suggesting with this death.

It is hard for me when I check our blog and see so few responses. I hoped this would be a forum for you all to discuss/debate/agree/etc.

Hope you all are well.

Sheehy