I don't hate Song of Solomon
But that doesn't mean I like it. The plot of Part II is very enticing, however it is a confusing book for my -200 IQ brain. I will probably never read it again, and if I do, then I would just jump into Part II.
Anyways, that is not the real topic of this blog post. In Chapter 4 of Song of Solomon, Milkman starts behaving differently from his father, Macon. In particular, Macon hoards his money while Milkman gives it away. We do not know how Milkman gives his money away, but given that Milkman's friend Guitar has never seen Milkman do a selfless act until in Chapter 10 when he was helping a man loading crates, we can assume he is not giving money for the greater good of society.
So, who is wealthier, Milkman or Macon? Macon does have a lot of money because he hoards a lot if it, but just because he is hoarding it doesn't necessarily mean he is wealthy. Based on the text Macon rarely spends money on goods. When he does, like the green Packard, he does not use it to its full potential. He does not drive it to work every day. He might as well be living like someone who has enough of a salary to live in a house, have good food every day, and capable to pay the utility bill every month. Milkman, on the hand, is spending money, which in some ways is good, but he is not spending money that is beneficial to society. Perhaps his is spending money to host extravagant parties in Honore, but even then he is not dating/marrying anyone, despite being 31 years old, making the parties somewhat pointless.
So what do you guys think, who is actually wealthy in this book? Milkman, Macon, or perhaps other characters in this book?
Anyways, that is not the real topic of this blog post. In Chapter 4 of Song of Solomon, Milkman starts behaving differently from his father, Macon. In particular, Macon hoards his money while Milkman gives it away. We do not know how Milkman gives his money away, but given that Milkman's friend Guitar has never seen Milkman do a selfless act until in Chapter 10 when he was helping a man loading crates, we can assume he is not giving money for the greater good of society.
So, who is wealthier, Milkman or Macon? Macon does have a lot of money because he hoards a lot if it, but just because he is hoarding it doesn't necessarily mean he is wealthy. Based on the text Macon rarely spends money on goods. When he does, like the green Packard, he does not use it to its full potential. He does not drive it to work every day. He might as well be living like someone who has enough of a salary to live in a house, have good food every day, and capable to pay the utility bill every month. Milkman, on the hand, is spending money, which in some ways is good, but he is not spending money that is beneficial to society. Perhaps his is spending money to host extravagant parties in Honore, but even then he is not dating/marrying anyone, despite being 31 years old, making the parties somewhat pointless.
So what do you guys think, who is actually wealthy in this book? Milkman, Macon, or perhaps other characters in this book?
I would say Pilate is the wealthiest character. She has the most authentic love with her daughter and granddaughter, whereas everyone else (main character wise) seems to be parched for love. Money-wise, I think the answer is Macon just because logic, but emotionally speaking definitely Pilate.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Milkman just get his money from his father? We see him take money out of Macon's safe to give to Hagar, so I think that Milkman is just using his father's money.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of material wealth, Macon II easily garners the title of 'wealthiest' in the novel. On the other hand, when it comes how it is utilized, Macon II lags behind. Since the novel is from Milkman's perspective, we do not get to see whether Macon II is satisfied with his success. From the few glimpses we do get, it is not the case. Throughout the novel, his only goal is to accumulate more wealth. From prospecting new land to sending his son on an expedition to acquire a potential asset, Macon II is always on the hunt for money. He is never content with his position in society and believes that wealth is the only factor in deciding ones success, which is in stark contrast to how other characters in the novel view it and places him lower on the wealth scale than he would think he is.
ReplyDeleteI think Macon the second is very wealthy but seems very displeased with his life which Is only focused on his material wealth which overtakes any possibility for other kinds of wealth but Pilate is the exact opposite
ReplyDeleteLike Dominick said, I'm pretty sure everything Milkman has is basically coming from his dad Macon so it seems fairly obvious that Macon would be the richer of the two. He's been in the business of real estate much longer than Milkman as well.
ReplyDeleteMacon I seems to be the richest character in the story in terms of material wealth, even if he might hoard it. I don't think he effectively uses his wealth to make him more happy however. Macon I seems to always search for more money (such as asking Milkman to steal Pilate's gold) but we rarely see him use the money he makes. However, maybe Macon I gets some emotional "wealth" by hoarding money since thats a way for Macon I to respect his father.
ReplyDelete