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Song of Solomon: The Irony About Love

This week in class we continued to read Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. We talked about how there are many emotions attached to love and all the different types of loves showed in Song of Solomon. A specific relationship that has many emotions connected to the "love" in their bond is Milkman and Ruth. Ruth Loves Milkman so much because he gives her meaning and a sense of worth. Since, Ruth showers Milkman with love and affection he should love her back, right? Wrong. Ruth's love is overbearing to the point where it becomes burdensome. An example of this overbearing love is Ruth breastfeeding Milkman way past the normal age. At first glance, it would seem, although weird, just that a mother loves her kid a lot. Milkman is affected by this "love" in a negative way. His name is now Milkman instead of Macon III because of his mother. At this point is Ruth actually showing Milkman love or is it something else. If Ruth truly loved Milkman she would be doing things in his best interest even if it is hard to do for her personally. This would be selfless love, but the type of love Ruth is giving Milkman is selfish love. Ruth is using Milkman and giving him love to make herself feel better, but isn't looking for the best for Milkman. Milkman "came reluctantly, as to a chore" when Ruth was breastfeeding him (Morrison 13). This shows Milkman's true feelings. If Ruth truly loved Milkman, she would put herself aside and benefit Milkman with her actions instead of harming the person she claims she loves. I think the true definition of love is sacrificing for the one you claim to love and putting their needs before yours.

Comments

  1. Sawyer DarishOctober 27, 2019 at 3:49 PM

    I liked how you deeply analyzed the "love" in Ruth and Milkman's relationship. I agree that their relationship is not real love and if it were to be real love, Ruth would need to be selfless instead of being selfish. Also I like how you included rhetorical questions within your blog.

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