As I read Song of Solomon, I must constantly remind myself that Milkman is middle aged now. I still think of him as being in his mid 20s, full of energy and sass. I just cannot picture 40 year old Milkman, no matter how hard I try. Guitar is the same-- they never seem to age. I think that perhaps Milkman never notices how old he is getting, either. He still parties hard at 40, gets in fights with younger men, and acts pretty immature (at first). Could one explanation for his change of heart and desire to go out on his own be that he is having a Mid-life crisis? The thought never occured to me until about 5 minutes ago, since even when I consciously realize how old he is, I still think of him as young. Instead of a traditional midlife crisis of wanting to be young again, Milkman is finally trying to act his age. It is odd, but I think it really fits the saying "the grass is greener on the other side." Even when he matures, however, I think of Milkman as youthful. I guess that's because even a 20 year old should be responsible enough to go out on his own, and Milkman has never tried to do this until he is twice that age.
Milkman's "midlife crisis" interests me as a possible reason for his desire to venture outside of his hometown, because it brings his age to the foreground, forcing me to acknowledge it. But I don't think that being older than he seems makes him seem weaker or more immature. In fact, I think it makes him al the more impressive--similar to the old men he encounters in Shalimar. Them, I think of as 40 (when really they are around 60 years old). Yet they are described as being able to overpower Milkman (at least, he thinks so). It seems like often in this book, the older you get, the more powerful you get-- not the other way around. And not just respect power-- I'm talking about the physical ability to overpower others. Sure, Macon is overpowered by Milkman when they are both 20 years younger, but most of the old guys can hold their own.
Milkman punching his dad brings me to my last observation about age in this novel. We have discused the characters living in the past, and I think this is a main reason why both they and us are compelled to think of them as eternally youthful. When Lena is ripping her brother apart with criticism, she refers to two incidents. One, punching Macon, happened 20 years prior to this confrontation! And yet she brings it up as if it had happened yesterday-- and he knows exactly what she is talking about. She also refers to the peeing incident, around 40 years ago! Milkman does not recall it, but the fact that a young Lena remembers the events as if it were yesterday says a lot to me about how the Dead family is rooted in the past, unable to fly away from it.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Milkman's Maturation
Reading chapters 10 though 12, I couldn't help but admire Milkman's independance and dedication to his mission. Of course, what mission this is is quite ambiguous-- is he looking for gold to share with his dad and Guitar, or is he following some calling to find out about his family's past (we know how much of a role the past plays in this book)-- but this post is not about the mission itself, it is about how Milkman acts while he is on his own (something he has never really desired until lately). While most of his time is spent being much more serious than usual, I was pleased to notice several instances where the old, fun-loving Milkman shows through. In particular, I enjoyed the end of chapters 10 and 12, when he is getting excited about a realization that shows him the next step he must take in his quest. I find myself leaning forward in my chair, my heart racing, beaming as I share Milkman's enthusiasm. It's kind of like a detective novel, actually, since we have the same information that Milkman has, and can try to figure things out along with him.
Another thing that impressed me with Milkman is his intelligence. I always assumed he was smart, but never really saw it explicitly in the book until he logically figures out holes in people's stories. And he is finally beginning to develop some common sense, too. While this part of him is not yet complete (fight with Saul), it is definitely improving, and we see that he can learn from past mistakes (he gets along with the people of Shalimar after Saul leaves).
He is also more skilled socially than the old Milkman was. When Guitar confronts him about "stealing" the Gold from "them," Milkman attempts to maintain a calm composure, despite wanting to shout, as the old Milkman would have done. While his story does not convince Guitar, I think it is more successful than yelling would have been. At least they are on decent terms again, all as a result of talking things out.
It is undeniable that Mlkman has changed a lot in the past few chapters. I think that overall, he has definitely improved-- he now takes responsability for his own actions and takes his fate into his own hands. He cannot necessarily be blamed for having been too carefree-- he never new anything other than being spoiled-- but we can give him credit for trying to change after realizing how immature and undeserving he had been. I am glad, though, that he hangs on to his ability to laugh and have fun, since I enjoy reading about him being happy.
Another thing that impressed me with Milkman is his intelligence. I always assumed he was smart, but never really saw it explicitly in the book until he logically figures out holes in people's stories. And he is finally beginning to develop some common sense, too. While this part of him is not yet complete (fight with Saul), it is definitely improving, and we see that he can learn from past mistakes (he gets along with the people of Shalimar after Saul leaves).
He is also more skilled socially than the old Milkman was. When Guitar confronts him about "stealing" the Gold from "them," Milkman attempts to maintain a calm composure, despite wanting to shout, as the old Milkman would have done. While his story does not convince Guitar, I think it is more successful than yelling would have been. At least they are on decent terms again, all as a result of talking things out.
It is undeniable that Mlkman has changed a lot in the past few chapters. I think that overall, he has definitely improved-- he now takes responsability for his own actions and takes his fate into his own hands. He cannot necessarily be blamed for having been too carefree-- he never new anything other than being spoiled-- but we can give him credit for trying to change after realizing how immature and undeserving he had been. I am glad, though, that he hangs on to his ability to laugh and have fun, since I enjoy reading about him being happy.
Seven Days
In the discussion I helped lead on Tuesday, we did not have the time to cover one small part of chapter 10: Milkman finding out who the members of the Seven Days are. Although not even a page is dedicated to this occurence, it struck me as very important regarding Milkman's emotions regarding his home.
To begin, Milkman lists the members as all belonging to the group that meets at the barbershop to discuss politics and race issues. People we have seen before in this book. People he has known all his life. Or has he truly known them? I think that Milkman feels betrayed by this discovery that the people he has ineracted with the longest (outside of his family) are murderers, whose cause he sees as unjust and irrational. He feels like a stranger in his hometown, a fact shown by his description of a handshake he had never seen before. When combined with the wecome her receives in Danville and the indifference, but later acceptance from the men of Shalimar (and one woman), Milkman truly begins to question where he belongs. Also contributing to his new desire to discover himself is how Lena tears him apart and tells him his time of being spoilt is over.
Another thing that came to my mind when reading about hwo was in the Seven Days was the discussion so many years ago about Emmitt Till. What Milkman had then understood to be an innocent discussion about the infairness of the law now becomes moch more serious to him. He realizes that they were discussing a murder that was actually going to happen. I think that even before his discussion with Lena, Milkman is beginning to become more serious. I think that before, he was oblivious to death. He knew what it was, even knew people who had died. But he did not understand that death was all around him (who he is, in fact). However, after seeing all the Seven Days together, he knows that his whole like has been lived surrounded by death. The people who he interacts with are either Dead or make people dead. This is a very sobering revelation for Milkman, and it is what prepares him to take Lena's words to heart.
So in a way, I think that while the mention of seeing the group together was very brief, it sets the stage for Milkman's change of character. It is the first step that prepares him for what Lena has to say, which in turn prepares him to break away from his father's commands and pursue the gold not for anyone, but to discover himself.
To begin, Milkman lists the members as all belonging to the group that meets at the barbershop to discuss politics and race issues. People we have seen before in this book. People he has known all his life. Or has he truly known them? I think that Milkman feels betrayed by this discovery that the people he has ineracted with the longest (outside of his family) are murderers, whose cause he sees as unjust and irrational. He feels like a stranger in his hometown, a fact shown by his description of a handshake he had never seen before. When combined with the wecome her receives in Danville and the indifference, but later acceptance from the men of Shalimar (and one woman), Milkman truly begins to question where he belongs. Also contributing to his new desire to discover himself is how Lena tears him apart and tells him his time of being spoilt is over.
Another thing that came to my mind when reading about hwo was in the Seven Days was the discussion so many years ago about Emmitt Till. What Milkman had then understood to be an innocent discussion about the infairness of the law now becomes moch more serious to him. He realizes that they were discussing a murder that was actually going to happen. I think that even before his discussion with Lena, Milkman is beginning to become more serious. I think that before, he was oblivious to death. He knew what it was, even knew people who had died. But he did not understand that death was all around him (who he is, in fact). However, after seeing all the Seven Days together, he knows that his whole like has been lived surrounded by death. The people who he interacts with are either Dead or make people dead. This is a very sobering revelation for Milkman, and it is what prepares him to take Lena's words to heart.
So in a way, I think that while the mention of seeing the group together was very brief, it sets the stage for Milkman's change of character. It is the first step that prepares him for what Lena has to say, which in turn prepares him to break away from his father's commands and pursue the gold not for anyone, but to discover himself.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Guitar's development
One thing that struck me from the first chapter of Song of Solomon was the young boy who knew how to spell "Admissions." It wasn't only his intelligence, though-- the name Guitar alone would be enough to spark my curiosity (how DID he get that name, anyway?). And the description... "cat-eyed"..."five or six years old"... wow. When I was five, I didnt know the difference between the words "mat" and "mate." The way Guitar addresses his Grandma is also interesting. They do not see the white nurse as deserving more respect than they do, nor do they pretend to. I wish that we received more information about his background, because "Granny" seems to be Pilate-esque in her aura of power. It is obvious that Guitar respects her immensely, at leats at his young age. He takes great interest in Pilate's singing, solely because his grandma smiles at her. And thats the only mention of Guitar until the next chapter, several years later. Again, the respect for Granny shows through, when he and his brother take her words as very important, that "a nigger in business is a terrible thing to see." Interesting that the same man who is willing to send him to the streets is the father of Milkman, his best friend. Another thing I noticed was that this willingness shown in chapter 2 to evict the Bains family is similar to when he evicts Porter in chapter 10. I think that the combination of these two incidents makes Guitar strongly dislike Macon Jr, and reminds him of the woman he admired so dearly.
I still am at a loss when it comes to finding a relationship between his youth and his decision to become involved with the Seven Days. Of course, he witnessed the death of his predecessor, but I do not see his membership as a result of this. One can tell from his attitude as a child that he is much more serious that Milkman. Spelling rather than peeing on his sister, worrying about where to live rather than assuming others will provide for him. Still, the only allusion to his future "job" that i notice when reading about Guitar as a child is when his eyes are referred to as "gashes," a term giving a violent image associated with him.
Throughout his teens, however, Guitar seems to be an older Milkman. When introducing Milkman to Pilate for the first time, Guitar seems particularly cheeky; at least, until the conversation turns to death. It is not irrational to assume that he was naturally more carefree as a teen than as an older man or young, impressionable boy. Still, it is hard for me to see the same person in the Guitar who asks whether or not Pilate really has a belly button and the Guitar who tries to kill Milkman out of paranoia. Hopefully we get to learn more about Guitar as the book goes on, because I find him one of the most intriguing characters we have encountered all semester.
I still am at a loss when it comes to finding a relationship between his youth and his decision to become involved with the Seven Days. Of course, he witnessed the death of his predecessor, but I do not see his membership as a result of this. One can tell from his attitude as a child that he is much more serious that Milkman. Spelling rather than peeing on his sister, worrying about where to live rather than assuming others will provide for him. Still, the only allusion to his future "job" that i notice when reading about Guitar as a child is when his eyes are referred to as "gashes," a term giving a violent image associated with him.
Throughout his teens, however, Guitar seems to be an older Milkman. When introducing Milkman to Pilate for the first time, Guitar seems particularly cheeky; at least, until the conversation turns to death. It is not irrational to assume that he was naturally more carefree as a teen than as an older man or young, impressionable boy. Still, it is hard for me to see the same person in the Guitar who asks whether or not Pilate really has a belly button and the Guitar who tries to kill Milkman out of paranoia. Hopefully we get to learn more about Guitar as the book goes on, because I find him one of the most intriguing characters we have encountered all semester.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Response to blog entries
At the beginning of the year, I was intrigued by the idea to blog about the reading assignments. I had not ever kept a journal like you used to require, but I did keep a blog in Ms. Majerus' class last year, and enjoyed it immensely. I began writing with some uncertainy as to what was expected of me, but soon found a tone I enjoy writing in, because it captures my thought process well.
In fact, the blogs are one of the things I have enjoyed most from this class. They allow me to record my thoughts on specific pasages and characters, and now I am really enjoying looking back on my thoughts on old books. I also am surprised by how much my tone has changed over the course of this semester. I have noticed that, as my undersatanding of how casual these blogs can be grows, my enthusiasm when writing them increases as well. For the first couple of months (while still being interested in my topics) I was going about writing blogs unemotionally and I think they were kind of boring (no offense to my past self). Now, however, I get excited writing them and often have to catch myself and slow down before I get TOO far off topic--which bring me to another thing I like about this assignment. It allows me to just throw out thoughts as they occur to me. In papers, I often find myself having to exclude points of interest because I cannot smoothly incorporate them into the content. While blogging, though, I can be very informal about mentioning side thoughts (kind of like Howie's footnotes). The only downside to this is that sometimes I get annoyed at myself for not leaving the extra time to write individual posts for all of these miscellaneous thoughts.
Regarding the blog vs. journal debate, I think that either would work very well in the future. Each has obvious pros (blogs: easily accessible to everyone, no bad handwriting, easy to rewrite stuff; journals: private, I personally find it easier to write essays on paper before transferring them to Word) and cons (blogs: easily accessible to everyone, you need to actually be at a computer to make a post; journals: no one else can see them unless you share them with friends, bad handwriting, not always there if you want to make an entry).
To conclude, I would just like to say again how much I enjoyed the blogging aspect of this course, since it has provided me with an easy way to see my growth throughout the semester. They show me which books were my favorites (Song of Solomon, Sun Also Rises, The Stranger), because I write those posts much more enthusiastically than the others. I regret that I have not examined the work of my peers as much as I could (and probably should), but I intend to do that more often in the coming weeks as I reflect on my brief but enjoyable journey into the mysterious waters of Twentieth Century literature.
In fact, the blogs are one of the things I have enjoyed most from this class. They allow me to record my thoughts on specific pasages and characters, and now I am really enjoying looking back on my thoughts on old books. I also am surprised by how much my tone has changed over the course of this semester. I have noticed that, as my undersatanding of how casual these blogs can be grows, my enthusiasm when writing them increases as well. For the first couple of months (while still being interested in my topics) I was going about writing blogs unemotionally and I think they were kind of boring (no offense to my past self). Now, however, I get excited writing them and often have to catch myself and slow down before I get TOO far off topic--which bring me to another thing I like about this assignment. It allows me to just throw out thoughts as they occur to me. In papers, I often find myself having to exclude points of interest because I cannot smoothly incorporate them into the content. While blogging, though, I can be very informal about mentioning side thoughts (kind of like Howie's footnotes). The only downside to this is that sometimes I get annoyed at myself for not leaving the extra time to write individual posts for all of these miscellaneous thoughts.
Regarding the blog vs. journal debate, I think that either would work very well in the future. Each has obvious pros (blogs: easily accessible to everyone, no bad handwriting, easy to rewrite stuff; journals: private, I personally find it easier to write essays on paper before transferring them to Word) and cons (blogs: easily accessible to everyone, you need to actually be at a computer to make a post; journals: no one else can see them unless you share them with friends, bad handwriting, not always there if you want to make an entry).
To conclude, I would just like to say again how much I enjoyed the blogging aspect of this course, since it has provided me with an easy way to see my growth throughout the semester. They show me which books were my favorites (Song of Solomon, Sun Also Rises, The Stranger), because I write those posts much more enthusiastically than the others. I regret that I have not examined the work of my peers as much as I could (and probably should), but I intend to do that more often in the coming weeks as I reflect on my brief but enjoyable journey into the mysterious waters of Twentieth Century literature.
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