“You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” — Toni Morrison, Song of Solomon
Chapter 1
The novel opens in 1931 with the suicide of Robert Smith, an insurance agent who jumps from a hospital roof, claiming he will “fly away on his own wings.” This event is witnessed by Ruth Foster Dead, who is pregnant with her son, Macon “Milkman” Dead III. The narrative then shifts to Milkman’s childhood, revealing his strained relationship with his father, Macon Dead Jr., a wealthy landlord, and his mother, Ruth, who is emotionally distant. The family dynamics are further complicated by Milkman’s aunt, Pilate, a free-spirited woman with no navel, who lives outside societal norms.
Chapter 2
Milkman grows up feeling alienated from his family and community. His father discourages him from associating with Pilate, but Milkman is drawn to her unconventional lifestyle. He befriends Guitar, a young man who later joins a secret society called the Seven Days, which seeks revenge for racial violence by killing white people in retaliation. Milkman begins to question his identity and purpose.
Chapter 3
As a young man, Milkman becomes disillusioned with his father’s materialism. He learns about his family’s past, including the mysterious death of his grandfather, Macon Dead I, and the legend of Solomon, an ancestor who supposedly flew back to Africa. Milkman’s curiosity about his heritage grows.
Chapter 4
Milkman begins an affair with his cousin Hagar, Pilate’s granddaughter, but later rejects her, leading to her obsessive pursuit of him. Meanwhile, Guitar becomes increasingly radicalized, believing Milkman has stolen gold from Pilate. Their friendship deteriorates as Guitar’s violent ideology clashes with Milkman’s search for meaning.
Chapter 5
Milkman travels to Danville, Pennsylvania, to trace his family history. He meets Reverend Cooper and other elders who knew his grandfather. They share stories about Macon Dead I’s murder and the disputed farmland that once belonged to the family. Milkman begins to piece together his ancestry.
Chapter 6
Continuing his journey, Milkman heads to Shalimar, Virginia, his ancestral homeland. There, he encounters hostility from locals but gradually earns their respect. He learns about Solomon, a former enslaved man who escaped by flying away, leaving behind his wife, Ryna, and their children. Milkman realizes this legend is tied to his own family.
Chapter 7
Milkman’s quest culminates in a confrontation with Guitar, who believes Milkman has found hidden gold. In a climactic struggle, Pilate is accidentally killed. Before dying, she urges Milkman to “sing” for her, symbolizing the importance of ancestral memory. Milkman finally embraces his heritage, leaping toward Guitar in an ambiguous ending that suggests flight or death.
Key Ideas
- Exploration of African American identity and ancestral roots
- Themes of flight as liberation and escape
- Interplay between materialism and spiritual fulfillment
- Legacy of slavery and racial trauma
- Complex family dynamics and generational healing
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in African American literature and history
- Those drawn to magical realism and mythic storytelling
- Anyone exploring themes of identity, family, and self-discovery