Use Of Metaphor In Toni Morrison's Song Of Solomon
Control is the leading force in the construction of society. However, different people and things can be in control. As Mark Johnson and George Lakoff explain, “that metaphor is pervasive in everyday life,” which adds an unknown layer of complexity to “our ordinary conceptual system.” In today's societies, schools teach us that metaphors are simply used as literary devices in writing, versus being used in “thought and action” as Johnson and Lakoff assert. In Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, Milkman is forced to encounter a difficult dilemma of not knowing what is true, due to Macon and Ruth’s contrasting narratives in the storytelling of Ruth’s background. Johnson and Lakoff believe that metaphors “define our everyday realities”, and Macon’s …show more content…
Macon’s language through storytelling is his form of oppression, which is a way to control Milkman’s thoughts and beliefs. Macon, being a successful and powerful man, uses his language and influence to shape Milkman's understanding of the world. He does this by enforcing the idea that his stories are the “whole truth” (Morrison 70). Macon leaves no room for Milkman to question any part of his story and asserts his control by telling him how to “think and act” (Johnson and Lakoff). The way Macon talks and acts towards Milkman is similar to how metaphors in Milkman’s life such as his name, “govern[s] [his] everyday functioning” pushing the idea that in a way Macon acts and has the same influence as metaphors do in shaping the perception of reality for Milkman (Johnson and Lakoff). After Macon finishes telling Milkman the full story, Milkman describes Macon as the “King of the Mountain” which is a metaphor for an undisputed leader or champion, and Ruth as the “frail” (Morrison 75). This all stems back to Macon, being a successful and powerful man, who uses his language and influence to shape Milkman's understanding of the world. Furthermore, this proves how the two conflicting perceptions of the same story make Milkman aware of how uncertain he is with his perception of
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