Julian Bell

Dr. Hall
English IV AP
Prompt: 3

In her novel Song of Solomon, Toni Morrison portrays her protagonist Milkman Dead, as
a privileged, curious, and independent African American who naturally alienates himself from
his friends and family. Milkman grows up in a time period when African Americans are viewed
as subjects to their environment as well as victims to their oppressors. However, Milkman
challenges this premise by venturing on a quest to understand the origins of his family history in
order to discover some meaning in his life in the hopes of obtaining a sense of fulfillment. In
other words, Milkman challenges the idea of happiness being tied to external conditions or
situations.
Reading Morrisons novel in class during my junior year inspired me not only to find
fulfillment outside of unfavorable circumstances, but also to adopt a celebratory attitude in times
of distress. Morrison effectively conveys this idea through Milkmans acquired knowledge of his
origins. As he learns about various relatives such as Solomon, Milkmans grandfather who flew
back to Africa long ago, Milkman gains the confidence in believing that humans actually can fly.
Although this belief is contrary to the circumstance presented at the beginning of the novel in
which Robert Smith, an insurance agent, leaps off the cupola of Mercy Hospital and plunges to
his death, Milkman nevertheless gains a sense of excitement in this newly acquired knowledge

about his family. Morrison also seems to convey the idea of liberation through an optimistic
perspective in which situations are viewed.
During my junior year, a good friend of my family was shot and killed. The tragic news
immediately cut through our hearts like a spear. It was during this difficult time that I was faced
with the choice of lamenting his death or deciding to celebrate his life on earth. This was
contrary to the societal belief that memories of the deceased should be decorated with tears and
loathing. However, arising to the realization that our deceased friend would want us to
remember the humorous, festive, and thrilling times shared with him on earth instead of the
morbid circumstances surrounding his death, I was prompted to act. My family and I visited our
friends father and soon began to laugh and joke as well as learn about the various adventures
that accompanied him during his time on earth. Perhaps then, as Morrison seems to incite in her
novel, optimism is the surest way to obtain fulfillment in all facets of life.