One of the greatest opportunities about living in America is the opportunity to reinvent yourself. One theme of Song of Solomon is the way that Milkman reinvents himself.
In an essay, write about Milkman’s reinvention in the novel.
• Think: what are the factors that lead to his growth? His awakening?
To do this well, you will need to have:
• An introduction with a thesis statement (Observation + Significance) that explains what it is that leads to this growth or awakening? Who does he meet along the way? How does the setting help him?
• A paragraph articulating what he was like before his awakening. What is he like in Part I? Provide 1-2
examples.
• Two paragraphs which include 1-2 textual examples (per paragraph) of how he grows in Part II.
• A conclusion during which you answer either:
a. What is Morrison trying to say about Milkman’s transformation. What is her lesson?
OR
• Why is reinvention so important for Milkman. (Perhaps you look at the ending where he “surrenders to the air” and discuss how this is the final part of his transformation.)
Sample Solution
