Group #3: Trina Do and Gwendolyn Paradis pg 226-233: "Then he watched signs-the names of towns that lay twenty-two miles ahead, seventeen miles to the east, five miles to the northeast. And the names of junctions, counties, crossings, bridges, stations, tunnels, mountains, rivers, creeks, landings, parks, and lookout points."
Here, Milkman is reading the signs as he is coming into town but the places ultimately don't mean anything-he is seeing them visually, but he is not "seeing" them in depth. When he goes into town, there are no signs like Windsor Street or Stone Lane, but he is able to connect with what he sees, realizing he is where Macon Dead and Pilate started. This relates to the novel in that the name "Circe" gives him access to information more than formal directions would, much like how Not Doctor Street is familiar in Milkman's hometown. The author uses a list/asyndeton to emphasize the meaninglessness of the signs, implying that Milkman sees so much, yet feels so little.
Group #3 Section 09 Trina and Gwen brought up an interesting point about how Milkman was metaphorically blind and could not see the deeper meaning of the signs that surround him. I agree with them about how Toni Morrison expresses the meaningless of the signs with a list. Emily Xie
I know names are significant in this novel and I didn't make the connection about the significance of the name Circe until now. I think it's interesting that Milkman couldn't really find a sense of direction until he was trying to find Circe: a woman who gave Odysseus directions in the Odyssey. It's also interesting that without signs, he's able to see things clearer. Christine Wong
Group 5, Section 9 Wow thats an amazing take away! It is so true that milkman only sees and does not feel - tying into what we have learned earlier this year in Hamlet and Waiting for Godot. Even though the literal signs are there - there is so much more behind everything. Names in this book are essential to understanding the characters and their individual stories. Also agreeing with Christine, I was fascinated that when the author took the signs away, Milkman could actually see clearer. Once he got past trying to find where he was, he was able to appreciate his roots and the history of the land around him.
Maggie Lee and Christine Wong Section 09 Group #5 pp. 233-239 " They talked on and on, using Milkman as the ignition that gunned their memories. he had come out of nowhere, as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict, with nothing but free papers, a Bible, and a pretty black-haired wife, and in one year he'd leased ten acres, the next ten more.... Never mind you can't tell one letter from another, never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" (235).
In this passage, we get more information about Macon Sr.'s past. The passage highlights how hard Macon Sr. worked on his farm to become so successful, and in a similar way, Macon Jr. has done so as well. This heavily contrasts Milkman's upbringing where he was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" while Macon Sr. "had come out of nowhere...with nothing but free papers". This shows how Milkman has basically been doing nothing with his life even with all the opportunities laid out in front of him whereas Macon Sr. and Jr. have taken every opportunity they're gotten.
Group #5, Section 9 I found it interesting how Maggie and Christine viewed Macon Sr/Jr as a character opposite of Milkman. At first I believed Macon Jr. was undeserving of his wealth because he mistreated everyone and showed off everywhere. Although now I realize that this is the only way he can reward himself for all the hard work he has done. Meanwhile, I favor Milkman less and less for his childish behavior and ignorance. Michael Migliozzi
Group #5, Section: 09 I agree that there is a comparison here. I think the significance of the contrast is demonstrated through the fact that Milkman serves as the "ignition that gunned their memories" because even though he may not be doing as well as his father and grandfather, Milkman still reminds everyone of success. Vanessa Medor
Emily Xie and Kerry Lydon Section 09 Group #12 pp. 233-239: "They talked on and on, using Milkman as the ignition that gunned their memories. he had come out of nowhere, as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict, with nothing but free papers, a Bible, and a pretty black-haired wife, and in one year he'd leased ten acres, the next ten more.... Never mind you can't tell one letter from another, never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" (235).
From this passage, we get a better picture of the first Macon Dead. We learn that those who lived in the neighborhood view Macon Dead Sr. as a very successful figure, a legend so to speak. When he died, their dreams died: he was the example to emulate, a black man who came from nothing and had no advantages in life and became successful. Despite being "as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict," Macon Dead Sr. had managed to do well for himself.
There point is similar to the observations Ian and I made. We noticed how Milkman was well received by Reverend Cooper and Emily's and Kerry's analysis reveals why the negro community was accepting of him. The idea of ancestry and the power of one's name is a salient theme in "Song of Solomon."
Our group actually analyzed a passage similar to this, both emphasize the importance of the Dead's farm. I thought it was interesting that the passage seems to imply that anyone with enough passion can make it in the world, despite Macon's eventual death. Even though Macon is killed, "...never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" suggests a lot more hope for progress then the rest of the reading this far. Emily Mullen
When I read this analysis I couldn't help but wonder whether the town-folk would have been so accepting and welcoming to Milkman if they knew how he was raised. Clearly, they appreciate the work Macon Dead Sr. and Jr. did to bring themselves up from the bottom, but if they knew that Milkman was raised so richly and in a way where he has never had to struggle, and could always rely on his father's name and money as a way of getting by, if they would have a different perception. I wonder, also, how Milkman feels hearing this history. Does he see the stark contrast between the generations? Does it make him even more eager to move away from home and try to make something of himself?
Group #5, Section 9 I found it interesting how Maggie and Christine viewed Macon Sr/Jr as a character opposite of Milkman. At first I believed Macon Jr. was undeserving of his wealth because he mistreated everyone and showed off everywhere. Although now I realize that this is the only way he can reward himself for all the hard work he has done. Meanwhile, I favor Milkman less and less for his childish behavior and ignorance. Michael Migliozzi
Jack Hanna and Jake Halloran Section 9 Group #9 pp. 252-258 ""What do I owe you? For the Coke and all?" The man was smiling, but his face changed now. "My name's Garnett, Fred Garnett. I ain't got much, but I can afford a Coke and a lift now and then"...Mr. Garnett had reached over and closed the door. Milkman could see him shaking his head as he drove off" (255).
This passage really magnifies Milkman's blindness. Milkman had gotten a ride from Fred Garnett and normally it would not have been a big deal to try to pay someone back for a favor. The problem is that Garnett takes offense to Milkman's efforts into trying to pay for the Coke. Garnett views this as a petty item but more importantly, Garnett thinks that Milkman believes that just because Garnett is black that means he can not afford a Coke. The author effectively uses dialogue to emphasize Milkman's blindness to the bounderies of race and class.
I hadn't really thought of it this way, but I guess the book is about Milkman's blindness to everything. I didn't get the plot before, but this seems to be it: Milkman's blindness to race, and class. Though, perhaps it is less blindness and more ignorance and a lack of real struggles in his life. Kerry Lydon
Like Kerry, I also hadn't thought of all these small instances where Milkman replies subconsciously implying that there's a barrier between he and the person he is talking to. It seems like the man often encountered ignorance because he smiles, and then his face changes. Milkman truly is blind to the racial ignorance (he is always arguing with Guitar about his unfair treatment of white people). Milkman is aware of what is happening around him, but cannot see for what is truly in front of him.
Beyond Milkman being completely ignorant and judgmental, when I read this scene I was focusing more on Garnett's reaction. As a reader I wasn't surprised by Milkman's actions, but Garnett seems to have been. As soon as Milkman spoke to him, in a condescending manner his smile goes right away. I found it a little humorous picturing Fred Garnett shaking his head at Milkman. Fiona Maguire
Group 4, Stephen Zoulalian,Ian Han, Section 09: "All his life he'd heard the tremor in the word:"I live here, but my people..." "She acts like she ain't got no people," "Do any of your people live there?" "But he hadn't known what it meant:links" (229)
In Danville Milkman finds finds himself out of his comfort zone. This is amplified by his appearance and mannerisms in contrast to the locals. When Milkman finds Reverend Cooper his discomfort fades away as he is warmly welcomed on account of his ancestors.Milkman has always benefited from his father's power and influence, but he has not experienced kindness on account of his entire lineage.The repetition of the word "people" throughout the passage signifies the importance of Milkman's discovery of his ancestry.
I find this interesting because it doesn't seem that Milkman endures any of the social struggles with his "people". Instead he is only concerned about his own discomfort and does not identify or relate with the rest of the African American society or their current issues. Connor Pease
There certainly is something to learn from history. Milkman has only learned the negative conflicts from Macon and Pilates; however, from the Reverend Cooper, he is able to discover the 'good' history. It is an important realization to know of the past events and experience the influence, power, and kindness for Milkman at a time when he is trying to get away from and reject his family. Calvin Tran
Group #13, Vanessa Medor, Emily Mullen, Anna Baronas; Section: 09
“Take advantage, and if you can’t take advantage, take disadvantage. We live here. On this planet, in this nation, in this country right here. Nowhere else. We got a home in this rock, don’t you see? Nobody starving in my home; nobody crying in my home, and if I got a home you got one too! Grab it. Grab this Land!” (235)
In this passage Macon’s land is speaking. This is significant because the land is a physical representation of Macon’s success and a form of motivation for those who aspired to be like him, and the land urges everyone to regain this motivation. The fact that the land is using the pronoun “we” and says “if I got a home you got one too” demonstrates how inviting and familiar the land is, and gives them a sense of belonging, unity, and purpose.
I agree with this group in that Macon's land is the embodiment of his success. Macon works his way up from a nobody/slave to a successful farmer. Although the land is speaking, what is really shown is Macon's philosophy and his beliefs projected on this land.
Connor Pease and Calvin Tran Section 9 Group 2 pp. 219-226 Passage: “Everybody wants the life of a black man. Everybody. White men want us dead or quiet- which is the same things as dead. White women, same thing. They want us, you know, ‘universal,’ human. No ‘race consciousness’….And black women, they want your whole self. Love, they call it, and understanding” (222) The informal dialogue of guitar to Milkman aims to summarize the many social stressors that a black man of the time could experience. The passage successfully displays the black man versus society through the different scenarios it addresses, some of which Milkman and Guitar have experienced themselves. Through the use of the symbolism and diction of the passage, it becomes a statement by the black man archetype showing the struggle from an internal perspective.
Group 14, "Everybody wants the life of a black man. Everybody. White men want us dead or quiet-which is the same thing as dead. White woman, same thing. They want us, you know 'universal,' human, no 'race consciousness'...And black woman, they want your whole self. Love, they call it, an understanding." (222)
This passage is Guitar, responding to Milkman's statement that black people have horrible lives, due to the fact that they are constantly targeted and abused by white people. Guitar is basically saying that black people have the life that all people want to live. This is because back women want the "whole" person, flaws in all. White women on the other hand want "universal" men, also known as perfect men. Black women only want love, and understand the men they love. This passage allows us to view the perception of the black race through the eyes of both races.
Sec. 09, Group 11 I found this quote to be very interesting. Toni Morrison writes very confidently from the perspective of a black male. In this excerpt specifically, she captures the feeling of animosity they have for other people in society, and rightly so. While one can understand the negativity that the men feel, it also only perpetuates the problems that they are facing. I agree with Connor and Calvin's idea that the symbolism and diction show the struggle of the black man in 20th century Chicago.
Ruby Messier, Mike Murray, James De La Cruz Group 11:"All his life he'd heard the tremor in the word: "I live here, but my people..." or: "She acts like she ain't got no people," or: "Do any of your people live there?" But he hadn't known what it meant: links." (229)
In this passage, Milkman has returned to Danville, the childhood home of his father and where his grandfather, the original Macon Dead, began his farm after being freed from slavery.A local man tells him that he recognizes the name, and know's Milkman's people. Milkman gives three examples of how he has heard the word "people" used. The italics used in the book for the word people, and its repetition, highlights the meaning the word holds for Milkman. This seems to be the first time Milkman has heard someone reference their, or someone else's people, in a positive manner (his father is embarrassed of his own "people") and this makes him feel welcomed and accepted.
Fiona Maguire and Janice Bautista Section 9 Group 8: pp. 246-252 "They loved it. Stole for it, lied for it, killed for it. But I'm the one left. Me and the dogs. And I will never clean it again. Never Nothing. Not a speck of dust, not a grain of dirt will I move."(247)
This passage shows Circe's resistance to submit to cleaning Miss Butler's old house. Miss Butler killed herself to avoid lowering herself to maids work and now Circe refuses to go back to maids work. The passages emphasized and perhaps exaggerates Miss Butler's love of the house because she would do any of the above actions for it, however she wouldn't clean it herself. It seems ridiculous. Circe views Miss Butler as irrational and egotistical which goes along with the theme of white supremacy.Now that she is gone, Circe is enjoying watching all of Miss Butlers hard work and that is her retaliation.
This passage really resonated in me... I thought it was really powerful that Miss Bulter would take her own life just so that she wouldn't have to work like Circe. I found Circe a bit strange, though. When she was first mentioned making physical contact with Milkman, I thought it was magical realism at work again. She must be so old by now... It just seems surreal that she is even alive. Perhaps her drive to watch Miss Bulter's house fall apart completely is what is keeping her alive.
Angela Su and Michael Migliozzi Section 9 Group 1: pp. 219-226 "He knew that an old woman had lived in it once, but he saw no signs of life there now. He was oblivious to the universe of wood life that did live there in layers of ivy grown so thick he could have sunk his arm in it up to the elbow. Life that crawled, life that slunk and crept and never closed its eyes" (219-20).
In this passage, Milkman tells Guitar about his plan to journey for the gold and free himself from everyone who seems to think they need him. There are themes of flight, rebirth, escape, and freedom. We considered how the plane ride parallels the crazy man trying to fly and Milkman's own desire to do so, as well as what his real motive is for the journey and the gold. Guitar and Milkman also argue about people's desires and Guitar insists that everyone wants the life of a black man, whether it be as a overly attached lover or an actual dead man, which symbolizes Milkman's being possessed by many and further strengthens his desire to get away and be by himself.
This quote epitomizes one of the focuses of this book that focus being the "seeing" of the milkman. How he views the world and it's interactions on the racial level drive the plot of the book.nthis quote is all about him seeing the town that he is going into so seeing is being very obviously highlighted which is important so that the reader knows to key in on the way Milkman sees things throughout the book.
Group #3: Trina Do and Gwendolyn Paradis
ReplyDeletepg 226-233: "Then he watched signs-the names of towns that lay twenty-two miles ahead, seventeen miles to the east, five miles to the northeast. And the names of junctions, counties, crossings, bridges, stations, tunnels, mountains, rivers, creeks, landings, parks, and lookout points."
Here, Milkman is reading the signs as he is coming into town but the places ultimately don't mean anything-he is seeing them visually, but he is not "seeing" them in depth. When he goes into town, there are no signs like Windsor Street or Stone Lane, but he is able to connect with what he sees, realizing he is where Macon Dead and Pilate started. This relates to the novel in that the name "Circe" gives him access to information more than formal directions would, much like how Not Doctor Street is familiar in Milkman's hometown. The author uses a list/asyndeton to emphasize the meaninglessness of the signs, implying that Milkman sees so much, yet feels so little.
Group #3 Section 09
DeleteTrina and Gwen brought up an interesting point about how Milkman was metaphorically blind and could not see the deeper meaning of the signs that surround him. I agree with them about how Toni Morrison expresses the meaningless of the signs with a list.
Emily Xie
Group #3 Section 09
DeleteI know names are significant in this novel and I didn't make the connection about the significance of the name Circe until now. I think it's interesting that Milkman couldn't really find a sense of direction until he was trying to find Circe: a woman who gave Odysseus directions in the Odyssey. It's also interesting that without signs, he's able to see things clearer.
Christine Wong
Group 5, Section 9
DeleteWow thats an amazing take away! It is so true that milkman only sees and does not feel - tying into what we have learned earlier this year in Hamlet and Waiting for Godot. Even though the literal signs are there - there is so much more behind everything. Names in this book are essential to understanding the characters and their individual stories. Also agreeing with Christine, I was fascinated that when the author took the signs away, Milkman could actually see clearer. Once he got past trying to find where he was, he was able to appreciate his roots and the history of the land around him.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMaggie Lee and Christine Wong Section 09
ReplyDeleteGroup #5 pp. 233-239 " They talked on and on, using Milkman as the ignition that gunned their memories. he had come out of nowhere, as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict, with nothing but free papers, a Bible, and a pretty black-haired wife, and in one year he'd leased ten acres, the next ten more.... Never mind you can't tell one letter from another, never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" (235).
In this passage, we get more information about Macon Sr.'s past. The passage highlights how hard Macon Sr. worked on his farm to become so successful, and in a similar way, Macon Jr. has done so as well. This heavily contrasts Milkman's upbringing where he was "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" while Macon Sr. "had come out of nowhere...with nothing but free papers". This shows how Milkman has basically been doing nothing with his life even with all the opportunities laid out in front of him whereas Macon Sr. and Jr. have taken every opportunity they're gotten.
Group #5, Section 9
DeleteI found it interesting how Maggie and Christine viewed Macon Sr/Jr as a character opposite of Milkman. At first I believed Macon Jr. was undeserving of his wealth because he mistreated everyone and showed off everywhere. Although now I realize that this is the only way he can reward himself for all the hard work he has done. Meanwhile, I favor Milkman less and less for his childish behavior and ignorance.
Michael Migliozzi
Group #5, Section: 09
DeleteI agree that there is a comparison here. I think the significance of the contrast is demonstrated through the fact that Milkman serves as the "ignition that gunned their memories" because even though he may not be doing as well as his father and grandfather, Milkman still reminds everyone of success.
Vanessa Medor
Emily Xie and Kerry Lydon Section 09
ReplyDeleteGroup #12 pp. 233-239: "They talked on and on, using Milkman as the ignition that gunned their memories. he had come out of nowhere, as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict, with nothing but free papers, a Bible, and a pretty black-haired wife, and in one year he'd leased ten acres, the next ten more.... Never mind you can't tell one letter from another, never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" (235).
From this passage, we get a better picture of the first Macon Dead. We learn that those who lived in the neighborhood view Macon Dead Sr. as a very successful figure, a legend so to speak. When he died, their dreams died: he was the example to emulate, a black man who came from nothing and had no advantages in life and became successful. Despite being "as ignorant as a hammer and broke as a convict," Macon Dead Sr. had managed to do well for himself.
Group 4, Section 09
DeleteThere point is similar to the observations Ian and I made. We noticed how Milkman was well received by Reverend Cooper and Emily's and Kerry's analysis reveals why the negro community was accepting of him. The idea of ancestry and the power of one's name is a salient theme in "Song of Solomon."
Our group actually analyzed a passage similar to this, both emphasize the importance of the Dead's farm. I thought it was interesting that the passage seems to imply that anyone with enough passion can make it in the world, despite Macon's eventual death. Even though Macon is killed, "...never mind you born a slave, never mind you lose your name, never mind your daddy dead" suggests a lot more hope for progress then the rest of the reading this far.
DeleteEmily Mullen
When I read this analysis I couldn't help but wonder whether the town-folk would have been so accepting and welcoming to Milkman if they knew how he was raised. Clearly, they appreciate the work Macon Dead Sr. and Jr. did to bring themselves up from the bottom, but if they knew that Milkman was raised so richly and in a way where he has never had to struggle, and could always rely on his father's name and money as a way of getting by, if they would have a different perception. I wonder, also, how Milkman feels hearing this history. Does he see the stark contrast between the generations? Does it make him even more eager to move away from home and try to make something of himself?
DeleteGroup #5, Section 9
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting how Maggie and Christine viewed Macon Sr/Jr as a character opposite of Milkman. At first I believed Macon Jr. was undeserving of his wealth because he mistreated everyone and showed off everywhere. Although now I realize that this is the only way he can reward himself for all the hard work he has done. Meanwhile, I favor Milkman less and less for his childish behavior and ignorance.
Michael Migliozzi
Jack Hanna and Jake Halloran Section 9
ReplyDeleteGroup #9 pp. 252-258
""What do I owe you? For the Coke and all?" The man was smiling, but his face changed now. "My name's Garnett, Fred Garnett. I ain't got much, but I can afford a Coke and a lift now and then"...Mr. Garnett had reached over and closed the door. Milkman could see him shaking his head as he drove off" (255).
This passage really magnifies Milkman's blindness. Milkman had gotten a ride from Fred Garnett and normally it would not have been a big deal to try to pay someone back for a favor. The problem is that Garnett takes offense to Milkman's efforts into trying to pay for the Coke. Garnett views this as a petty item but more importantly, Garnett thinks that Milkman believes that just because Garnett is black that means he can not afford a Coke. The author effectively uses dialogue to emphasize Milkman's blindness to the bounderies of race and class.
I hadn't really thought of it this way, but I guess the book is about Milkman's blindness to everything. I didn't get the plot before, but this seems to be it: Milkman's blindness to race, and class. Though, perhaps it is less blindness and more ignorance and a lack of real struggles in his life.
DeleteKerry Lydon
Like Kerry, I also hadn't thought of all these small instances where Milkman replies subconsciously implying that there's a barrier between he and the person he is talking to. It seems like the man often encountered ignorance because he smiles, and then his face changes. Milkman truly is blind to the racial ignorance (he is always arguing with Guitar about his unfair treatment of white people). Milkman is aware of what is happening around him, but cannot see for what is truly in front of him.
DeleteBeyond Milkman being completely ignorant and judgmental, when I read this scene I was focusing more on Garnett's reaction. As a reader I wasn't surprised by Milkman's actions, but Garnett seems to have been. As soon as Milkman spoke to him, in a condescending manner his smile goes right away. I found it a little humorous picturing Fred Garnett shaking his head at Milkman.
DeleteFiona Maguire
Group 4, Stephen Zoulalian,Ian Han, Section 09:
ReplyDelete"All his life he'd heard the tremor in the word:"I live here, but my people..." "She acts like she ain't got no people," "Do any of your people live there?" "But he hadn't known what it meant:links" (229)
In Danville Milkman finds finds himself out of his comfort zone. This is amplified by his appearance and mannerisms in contrast to the locals. When Milkman finds Reverend Cooper his discomfort fades away as he is warmly welcomed on account of his ancestors.Milkman has always benefited from his father's power and influence, but he has not experienced kindness on account of his entire lineage.The repetition of the word "people" throughout the passage signifies the importance of Milkman's discovery of his ancestry.
(accidentally posted in section 07)
I find this interesting because it doesn't seem that Milkman endures any of the social struggles with his "people". Instead he is only concerned about his own discomfort and does not identify or relate with the rest of the African American society or their current issues.
DeleteConnor Pease
There certainly is something to learn from history. Milkman has only learned the negative conflicts from Macon and Pilates; however, from the Reverend Cooper, he is able to discover the 'good' history. It is an important realization to know of the past events and experience the influence, power, and kindness for Milkman at a time when he is trying to get away from and reject his family.
DeleteCalvin Tran
Group #13, Vanessa Medor, Emily Mullen, Anna Baronas; Section: 09
ReplyDelete“Take advantage, and if you can’t take advantage, take disadvantage. We live here. On this planet, in this nation, in this country right here. Nowhere else. We got a home in this rock, don’t you see? Nobody starving in my home; nobody crying in my home, and if I got a home you got one too! Grab it. Grab this Land!” (235)
In this passage Macon’s land is speaking. This is significant because the land is a physical representation of Macon’s success and a form of motivation for those who aspired to be like him, and the land urges everyone to regain this motivation. The fact that the land is using the pronoun “we” and says “if I got a home you got one too” demonstrates how inviting and familiar the land is, and gives them a sense of belonging, unity, and purpose.
I agree with this group in that Macon's land is the embodiment of his success. Macon works his way up from a nobody/slave to a successful farmer. Although the land is speaking, what is really shown is Macon's philosophy and his beliefs projected on this land.
DeleteMaggie Lee
Connor Pease and Calvin Tran Section 9
ReplyDeleteGroup 2 pp. 219-226
Passage: “Everybody wants the life of a black man. Everybody. White men want us dead or quiet- which is the same things as dead. White women, same thing. They want us, you know, ‘universal,’ human. No ‘race consciousness’….And black women, they want your whole self. Love, they call it, and understanding” (222)
The informal dialogue of guitar to Milkman aims to summarize the many social stressors that a black man of the time could experience. The passage successfully displays the black man versus society through the different scenarios it addresses, some of which Milkman and Guitar have experienced themselves. Through the use of the symbolism and diction of the passage, it becomes a statement by the black man archetype showing the struggle from an internal perspective.
Group 14,
ReplyDelete"Everybody wants the life of a black man. Everybody. White men want us dead or quiet-which is the same thing as dead. White woman, same thing. They want us, you know 'universal,' human, no 'race consciousness'...And black woman, they want your whole self. Love, they call it, an understanding." (222)
This passage is Guitar, responding to Milkman's statement that black people have horrible lives, due to the fact that they are constantly targeted and abused by white people. Guitar is basically saying that black people have the life that all people want to live. This is because back women want the "whole" person, flaws in all. White women on the other hand want "universal" men, also known as perfect men. Black women only want love, and understand the men they love. This passage allows us to view the perception of the black race through the eyes of both races.
Sec. 09, Group 11
ReplyDeleteI found this quote to be very interesting. Toni Morrison writes very confidently from the perspective of a black male. In this excerpt specifically, she captures the feeling of animosity they have for other people in society, and rightly so. While one can understand the negativity that the men feel, it also only perpetuates the problems that they are facing. I agree with Connor and Calvin's idea that the symbolism and diction show the struggle of the black man in 20th century Chicago.
Mike Murray
Ruby Messier, Mike Murray, James De La Cruz
ReplyDeleteGroup 11:"All his life he'd heard the tremor in the word: "I live here, but my people..." or: "She acts like she ain't got no people," or: "Do any of your people live there?" But he hadn't known what it meant: links." (229)
In this passage, Milkman has returned to Danville, the childhood home of his father and where his grandfather, the original Macon Dead, began his farm after being freed from slavery.A local man tells him that he recognizes the name, and know's Milkman's people. Milkman gives three examples of how he has heard the word "people" used. The italics used in the book for the word people, and its repetition, highlights the meaning the word holds for Milkman. This seems to be the first time Milkman has heard someone reference their, or someone else's people, in a positive manner (his father is embarrassed of his own "people") and this makes him feel welcomed and accepted.
Fiona Maguire and Janice Bautista Section 9
ReplyDeleteGroup 8: pp. 246-252
"They loved it. Stole for it, lied for it, killed for it. But I'm the one left. Me and the dogs. And I will never clean it again. Never Nothing. Not a speck of dust, not a grain of dirt will I move."(247)
This passage shows Circe's resistance to submit to cleaning Miss Butler's old house. Miss Butler killed herself to avoid lowering herself to maids work and now Circe refuses to go back to maids work. The passages emphasized and perhaps exaggerates Miss Butler's love of the house because she would do any of the above actions for it, however she wouldn't clean it herself. It seems ridiculous. Circe views Miss Butler as irrational and egotistical which goes along with the theme of white supremacy.Now that she is gone, Circe is enjoying watching all of Miss Butlers hard work and that is her retaliation.
This passage really resonated in me... I thought it was really powerful that Miss Bulter would take her own life just so that she wouldn't have to work like Circe. I found Circe a bit strange, though. When she was first mentioned making physical contact with Milkman, I thought it was magical realism at work again. She must be so old by now... It just seems surreal that she is even alive. Perhaps her drive to watch Miss Bulter's house fall apart completely is what is keeping her alive.
DeleteAngela Su and Michael Migliozzi Section 9
ReplyDeleteGroup 1: pp. 219-226
"He knew that an old woman had lived in it once, but he saw no signs of life there now. He was oblivious to the universe of wood life that did live there in layers of ivy grown so thick he could have sunk his arm in it up to the elbow. Life that crawled, life that slunk and crept and never closed its eyes" (219-20).
In this passage, Milkman tells Guitar about his plan to journey for the gold and free himself from everyone who seems to think they need him. There are themes of flight, rebirth, escape, and freedom. We considered how the plane ride parallels the crazy man trying to fly and Milkman's own desire to do so, as well as what his real motive is for the journey and the gold. Guitar and Milkman also argue about people's desires and Guitar insists that everyone wants the life of a black man, whether it be as a overly attached lover or an actual dead man, which symbolizes Milkman's being possessed by many and further strengthens his desire to get away and be by himself.
Group #9 sec.9 Jake Halloran
ReplyDeleteThis quote epitomizes one of the focuses of this book that focus being the "seeing" of the milkman. How he views the world and it's interactions on the racial level drive the plot of the book.nthis quote is all about him seeing the town that he is going into so seeing is being very obviously highlighted which is important so that the reader knows to key in on the way Milkman sees things throughout the book.