Names in Song of Solomon

Through the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison names are given a lot of attention. The main character Milkman's official name is Macon Dead after his father who was named after his father. However, Milkman's grandfather was named by a drunk, white Union soldier who mistakes his responses to questions about where he lives and his family as his name - Macon Dead. In the novel, most people do not go by their given name, but rather by nicknames. Each person's given name tells a story. Milkman was named after he was seen being breastfed at a older age than is normal. Guitar was named because as a child he always wanted to learn to play the guitar. In the 1800s when slavery was legal, many plantation owner gave the slaves on their land names. However, many had different names they went by in their own communities. Being renamed was an act of rebellion against the oppression they faced. Learning the name of his grandfather, marked a shift in Milkman. Names are tied very closely to roots. Many people today have names that they share with older relatives. By learning his grandfather's true name, Milkman seems to almost be liberated. His father is so caught up in wanting to be white, he accepts his name that originated from a white man and never questions it. Milkman learning about his roots and his family's names allows him to escape from his father's influence and his father's internalized racism.