Halfway Reflection

When we began reading this novel, I was very confused. In the beginning, the reader is essentially just thrown into the story with no context whatsoever. With this came lots of undefined characters, lots of undefined events that need context. To illustrate, it is easy sense there is a lot of underlying tension between this family we are introduced to, but it isn't explained why. This type of book requires us as readers to piece together the story along the way with small puzzle-pieces of information that Toni Morrison gives us.

One instance that I was particularly confused was when I reached the beginning of chapter six. In this chapter, it is finally revealed that Guitar actually is involved in the killings that have been occurring. The "suspicious" behavior that our class suspected of him was true, but Guitar's explanation of the whole matter was very ominous and cynical. When Guitar is explaining "the society" to Milkman, he says that their "secret" is time: time and silence. More specifically, to quote Guitar, he says, "They don't write their names in toilet stalls or brag to women. Time and silence. Those are their weapons, and they go on forever." (155) Later on, Guitar responds to Milkman's question as to why he kills innocent people. "It doesn't matter who did it. Each and every one of them could do it." (155) This part is also confusing to me because Milkman's point of view makes sense: why would you kill innocent people instead of tracking down the people who have actually done the crimes and kill them? Guitar seems to have a very hate filled mindset, and a very rigid, black and white way of thinking.  Referring back to our discussions in class, he has the mentality that "an eye for an eye" is justice.

Comments

  1. Is there a particular reading strategy you used that helped you address the challenge you mention in your first paragraph?

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    Replies
    1. As we continue to read Song of Solomon, I realize that many of these parts that I question/that confuse me are just small pieces of a larger picture that will be filled in as I keep reading.

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  2. Do you believe that "an eye for an eye" mentality is the best form of justice? Or do you think there should be a more merciful approach to justice?

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