A Series of Essays on Song of Solomon

When Milkman travels to Virginia and encounters Circe, he learns about why Circe's mistress killed herself. Circe explains that her mistress chose death over living the life of poverty and enslavement. Circe's mistress could not stand to live without wealth, slaves, etc.

When Milkman reaches his destination in Virginia, the lesson that old Circe tried to teach was still lost on him. Milkman is still unaware that wealth in general is worthless and material possessions are nothing. Circe's lesson that life is more important than wealth, regardless of the way it may be spent (such as Circe's life as a slave).

Milkman encounters a group of men within the store in Shalimar. Clueless to the lesson Circe tried to teach him, Milkman interacts with the men in the shop.

"Milkman was getting annoyed. What was all the hostility for? He looked at the men sitting around the store. 'You think maybe one of them could help with the car?' he asked Mr. Solomon. 'Maybe get another belt somewhere?'

Mr. Solomon kept his eyes on the counter. 'Guess I could ask them.' His voice was soft; he spoke as if he was embarrassed about something. There was none of the earlier chattiness he'd been full of when Milkman arrived.

'If they can't find one, let me know right away. I may have to buy another car to get back home (266-267).'"

This quoted passage shows exactly how Milkman resembles Circe's mistress. He treats money and possessions will little to no care. When his car is showing signs of failure, he insults his company by simply suggests that he will merely replace it, after asking one of the men to wait on him. He shows the reader that he resembles Circe's mistress not only in behavior but also in values.

Essay 2:

In Chapter 11, Milkman also experiences a life-changing experience. While hunting with a group of men from Shalimar, he tires and decides to wander away from his partner and go home. While leaving the woods, he encounters Guitar, who has been looking for him. Guitar attempts to kill Milkman by choking him with a piece of wire. Milkman believes he is dying and he sees a picture of Hagar in his mind. But in the midst of the shuffling, Milkman fired his hunting rifle off, scaring away Guitar and alerting the other members of his group.

This near death experience completely changes Milkman. He finally believes that he belongs to a community. "Laughing too, hard, loud, and long. Really laughing, and he found himself exhilarated by simply walking the earth. Walking like his belonged on it… (281)"

Another change in Milkman is his interactions with women. When he would engage with Hagar, it was always only about sex to him, even through Hagar's love for him. However, when he encounters Sweet, he treats her kindly, lovingly.

"He soaped and rubbed her until her skin squeaked and glistened like onyx. She put salve on his face. He washed her hair. She sprinkled talcum on his feet. He straddled her behind and massaged her back. (285)"

These excerpts show the change in Milkman from an uncaring person who didn't belong to any community into a man who cared, who felt like he finally belonged to a group of people, and could reciprocate love and respect.

Essay 3:

Zygmunt Bauman claims that morality is independent of the social contract. Song of Solomon suggests a similar sense of ethics throughout the novel. For example, Macon Dead is a perfect example of this distinction between morality and the social contract. Macon never feels obligated to anyone because he does not feel that they deserve or have earned the obligation.
Take into consideration the scene that takes place between Porter and Macon Dead. Macon feels that sympathy is unwarranted in this situation because Porter "has not done his part" in regards to anything that Macon has done.

Another example of this separation is the behavior of Milkman, prior to his near death experience. Milkman is a very selfish young man, only doing things that benefit him. Such is a perfect example of this is the relationship between Milkman and his father. Both of these men are uncaring, cold individuals.

When Milkman travels to Shalimar, we see the social contract take place. When Milkman is conversing with Solomon, Milkman is treated kindly until he makes a rude comment, treating the men in the shop as his personal slaves.
Song of Solomon suggests a distinction between morality and civil law. The social contract is distinct, especially in the characters of Milkman and Macon Dead.