Seeking for a Sense of Belonging: An Interpretation of Song of Solomon

Abstract

Toni Morrison’s works usually show deep concern not only for the existence and development of the black but also that of human beings. By presenting the story of Dead family in Song of Solomon, Morrison tries to find a way out for black people as well as the whole mankind in this pluralistic modern world. The black’s loss in the novel represents modern men’s loss in a world full of material desires. The protagonist Milkman’s unwitting search for his root enlightens the puzzled modern human beings. The thesis attempts to interpret Morrison’s view of sense of belonging by analyzing the loss of three Macons, the experience of Pilate and the return journey of Milkman. On the whole, it aims at exploring Morison’s proposition that it is essential for one to return to pure traditional culture, nature and one’s true self, thereby owning a sense of belonging.