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The Theme Of Love In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon

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In the 1977 novel, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. Morrison highlights the running theme of love. The theme of love is present in every relationship in the novel and is defined different from character to character. The women display love as a way of obsession whether it is over their spouses or over materialistic possessions. The men, however; define it differently, many are distant and secluded when it comes to expressing affection and love. This underlying theme significantly contributes to the overall storyline providing a unique characterization to each character, allowing the reader to really experience the character’s emotional development through the novel. The theme of love can be identified from the very beginning of the novel. …show more content…

This unwinding road of exploration beings with the idea of love. Milkman is portrayed to have a different definition of love, it is one that is young and naive. “When the two had managed to get the basket into the room, the girl stretched her back and turned around, facing them. But Milkman had no need to see her face; he had already fallen in love with her behind.”(43). Morrison explicitly establishes Milkman’s sexual interest in Hagar, showcasing a spark of love based on physical attraction. Morrison also establishes Hagar’s interest in the idea love in an indirect implicit manner. “Who was gonna feed us? Hagar was insistent. “Mama can go for months without food. Like a lizard.” “Lizard live that long without food?” asked Reba .“Girl, ain’t nobody gonna let you starve. You ever had a hungry day?” Pilate asked her granddaughter.” (48). Morrison indirectly showcases Hagar’s hunger as a hunger for intimacy and affection. Morrison’s expression of intimacy between the two characters, sets the foundation for an evolving relationship that is based on a physical attraction. As the characters of Milkman and Hagar develop throughout the novel, their views of love and attraction change, starting to mirror that of Ruth and Macon

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