One of the most striking things about Song of Solomon (aside from the incest, murder, etc.) is the amount of unusual names. First, let us start with the title of the book itself. Song of Solomon comes from a short book of the Old Testament (and of the Tanakh). The original title is better translated as "Song of Songs" which is what I believe is a more common translation. Why Solomon appears in the title is because a fuller title in some editions reads, "Song of songs of Solomon which in Hebrew is said Sir Hasirim." Solomon is believed to have written it. It is a dialogue between lovers. In Judaism, it is seen as allegory for the relationship between God and Israel; Christians see it as allegory for Christ and the Church. The title is not the only strange name in the book.
Names are given in an unusual manner in the book. First from Macon Dead I and the drunk Union soldier, then to the Dead family tradition of choosing a random word from the Bible. The names given in this manner are as follows:
-Pilate (from Pontius Pilate): the Roman judge who handed Jesus over to be crucified
-Reba (from Rebecca): Wife of Isaac, (though there is a Reba who is a king)
-Hagar: Sarah's servant, and mother of Ishmael through Abraham
-First Corinthians: Saint Paul's first letter to the people of Corinth
-Magdalene Called Lena: (from Mary Magdalene): a follower of Jesus present at the crucifixion; some accounts say Jesus expelled seven demons from her; sometimes thought to be a repentant prostitute.
It is possible that these names will be important in each character's actions; there may be a bit of mirroring in the novel. For instance, Hagar and Ishmael are expelled by Abraham, and Milkman rejects Hagar. This might be the only instance of crossover, but it will be interesting to see as we continue the novel. Morrison could have chosen the names for this purpose, but it could also be a parody of giving children biblical names. (This might make more sense, because if the former is true, what will First Corinthians do? Will Pilate kill Milkman, even though she has been protecting him since before he was born?)
After this, the only unusual names left are ones like "Guitar" and "Empire State" and a few others along with the two Tommys, and some seem to be nicknames. In the book, characters also get their names in interesting ways: Milkman gets his because of what Freddie sees; Guitar wanted a guitar, and Macon Dead I got his because a drunk soldier wrote the wrong words in the wrong spaces.
All these names make the book more interesting. The giving of names is very important in this novel, as we saw in the epigraph and in class discussions. I guess by the end of the novel we will better understand the significance.
I agree that the names of the characters certainly carry a lot of weight. I didn't know too much about the history/story behind each character's name so this was very helpful. While some characters might not fit their name background at the moment, I have a feeling that events are going to unfold that will connect them to their name in a more obvious way. Of course, with some names you can kind of guess. For example, Pilate will most likely be a key character in guiding everyone else since her name is read as "pilot" and she has been a one of the main people that guides Milkman throughout the story. Anyway, I'm curious to see how the names of the characters will define their paths or if they might change.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the names in this book have a lot of significance. I looked up the name Macon and found that in Old English and/or German it means maker. I think "maker" adequately describes how Macon built up his own farm and made a successful business. It can also describe how he made up a false story about Ruth and the doctor. Going with the biblical theme, The Bible and The Torah both had masons in them, who built up stuff, just like Macon built up his life after his father died. I think the use of names in Song of Solomon is really interesting and I can't wait to see if they come into play in any other ways later in the plot.
ReplyDeleteToni Morrison's mixing of fantasy and reality certainly suggests that the names of the characters have a significance in the story. The fact that many of the names were chosen at random probably signifies something too. Maybe it's related to what we were talking about the other day in class: that Milkman doesn't seem to have an actual personality and he is defined by his reactions to other people.
ReplyDeleteI think "Dead" is one of the most important names, because it is carried by multiple characters. The name does somewhat reflect the nature of the family. The family doesn't necessarily have a dead personality, but the relationships between members of the Dead family often seem somewhat lifeless and bleak. Pilate's name also has a large amount of significance, and not only to the audience, but also to her. She carries it around in her earring. Milkman's name is something that is repeatedly emphasized throughout the novel in a way that prevents us or Milkman from ever forgetting that name's significance.
ReplyDeleteI think "Dead" is one of the most important names, because it is carried by multiple characters. The name does somewhat reflect the nature of the family. The family doesn't necessarily have a dead personality, but the relationships between members of the Dead family often seem somewhat lifeless and bleak. Pilate's name also has a large amount of significance, and not only to the audience, but also to her. She carries it around in her earring. Milkman's name is something that is repeatedly emphasized throughout the novel in a way that prevents us or Milkman from ever forgetting that name's significance.
ReplyDeleteThe Dead family and Song of Solomon in general is full of biblical and mythological references. I think that the Dead family tradition of choosing a name from the bible is pretty interesting, although it gives Pilate a name that was a man's (if that even matters). But so far, I don't think that the names have any specific meaning in terms of character personality and development. I personally wouldve loved to see something like that, and think that Morrison missed a really fun opportunity, but she may have used the same method to choose names as the Dead family.
ReplyDeleteWe only learn the origin of Empire State's name at the very end, when Milkman is contemplating all the black men he knows (and some who are famous musicians and mythic figures) and all their odd nicknames: "he just stands there and sways." (Morrison is very patient waiting to get to that punchline!) This litany (p.330) contains some real gems--Spoonbread, Ice Man, Dough Belly, Cat-Iron, and good old Fuck-Up--but also, subtly slipped in there, recognizable names like Muddy Waters, Jelly Roll (Morton), Fats (Waller), Leadbelly, Bo-Diddly, and the legendary Staggerlee.
ReplyDeleteMorrison is fully aware that, by giving her characters such colorful and even surreal names, she's taking part in a long African American tradition--a history where names and naming are indeed fraught.
In my opinion "Dead" is a name that really strange name especially that is supposedly able to achieve flight. When I think of someone taking flight and reaching for a goal, I don't think to immediately relate it with death because that usually means that they can't really achieve anything else. As for Milkman, a name separate of religious background, I think its representative of the strong bond between him and his mother that actually will carry most of the plot. I what would happen nowadays if people were given names based on small events from when they were smaller. Would I be named Sunny D since I drank it all the time?
ReplyDeleteEven though a lot of the novel ended up revolving around the fact that "Dead" was an incredibly significant name, I'm definitely curious about some of the others. I understand why Guitar got his name (though I do wonder how such unorthodox names become so commonplace, but since I can't be dropped into the novel I'll settle), but what about Empire State? It's also possible that I missed a possible explanation of his name while I was reading, but I just found that name particular interesting.
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