Song of Solomon Ch.6

In Chapter 6 of the novel, the author presents two contrasting points of view - the ones of Milkman and Guitar. The two characters seem to take part in a metaphorical debate, in which each presents his own motifs for supporting his particular stand. For instance, Milkman represents the rather peaceful and servile position, which does not involve that much risk as that of the revolutionary and rebellious character of Guitar.

The main points of Milkman's reasoning rely primarily on simple logical connections. That is, his counterpoints to Guitar's arguments arise simply from the unclear parts of Guitar's own statements. For example, Milkman questions the logic of the very action of murdering a person. Guitar replies, "I just told you. It's necessary; it's got to be done. To keep the ratio the same" (Morrison 155). The debate between the two characters continues with Milkman doubting the use of violence when fighting violence. Moreover, the very act of killing innocent white men petrifies him, "What about nice ones? Some whites made sacrifices for Negroes. Real sacrifices" (Morrison 156). Engulfed by the ideology of the Seven Days, Guitar "fights back" every single point that Milkman makes including this one, "That just means there are one or two natural ones. But they haven't been able to stop the killing either. They are outraged, but that doesn't stop it. They might even speak out, but that doesn't stop it either. They might even inconvenience themselves, but the killing goes on and on. So will we" (Morrison 156). In other words, the author shows the social view on African-American violence over white men through the eyes of Milkman, which see simply lack of honor and reason in such deeds.

Another cause for Milkman taking this particular stand in the argument between the two characters could be found in his fear that such killings would eventually turn into habit or cause substantial damage to one's mind in the future. On one hand, murderers are deprived of any normal life in the present; as Milkman himself comments, "There is no love in it" (Morrison 159). On the other hand, the future psychological damage of committing a murder marks forever one's conscience: an aspect again taken into consideration by Milkman, "it's a habit. If you do it enough, you can do it to anybody. You know what I mean? A torpedo is a torpedo, I don't care what his reasons. You can off anybody you don't like. You can off me" (Morrison 161). In brief, not only does Milkman point out the near-future negative consequences of being a murderer, but also the ones that are to come a long time from now.

Milkman's final argument against Guitar's position concludes that there is no actual justice proclaimed upon each crime committed. That is, the fact that all the Seven Days does as an institution remains secret does not make the life of ordinary African-Americans any better. In fact, Milkman states directly this opinion of his, "Guitar, none of that shit is going to change how I live or how any other Negro lives. What you're diong is crazy" (Morrison 160). With his words, Milkman defends the common-sense position in this "debate" between him and Guitar. However, even by the end of the chapter, Milkman seems unable to convince Guitar of something different from Guitar's own ideology. In summary, although Milkman presents sound arguments regarding the reason behind the act of killing, the consequences of all these murders, and the lack of final outcome of all these efforts, his words seem to pass through Guitar with no actual effect on him.

The issue of justice between African-Americans and white people as shown in Song of Solomon could be compared to the motif of justice in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird. While Jem's father has the chance to enter a court room and be part of a real trial, according to Guitar, "There are places right now where a Negro still can't testify against a white man" (Morrison 160). However, the two pieces of literature resemble each other in the depiction of racial segregation throughout the narrative. After all, both authors discuss similar time periods with their idiosyncratic cultural as well as everyday-life aspects, thereby creating similar impressions in the audience. Nevertheless, despite the analogous atmosphere in both texts, Toni Morrison's work pictures a rather despondent view of the world of African-Americans, particularly through Guitar's perspective and his longing for revenge on white men.