Name__________________________________________________
Song of Solomon Part I Socratic Seminar
Goals
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To conduct close readings of difficult passages
To make in-depth inferences about characters, themes, and conflicts
To form multi-layered, complex interpretations of the meaning of Part I as a whole
To determine where the novel leaves things uncertain
Part I. Close Reading of Key Passages
On Wednesday, you will spend the first half of each seminar conducting a close reading of
key passages. It is easy to discuss a jumble of interesting ideas but never go deeply into the
novel. The heart of Song of Solomon lies in Morrison’s language. We will practice being
skilled discussants who can examine key passages thoroughly.
1. One of the most difficult passages to understand in Part I is Guitar and Milkman’s
conversation about tea, eggs, and geography (Chapter 5, 114-118). Conduct a close
reading of this passage by annotating, writing margin notes, and reading every single
line carefully. Form an interpretation of what this passage means. What are
Milkman and Guitar really talking about? What is the tone of each line? When does
it shift? Why? What does this conversation reveal about each character’s beliefs?
How does this conversation contribute to the meaning of Part I as a whole? What
lingering questions do you still have about the passage that you want to ask your
seminar group?
2. Conduct a close reading of the white peacock passage (Chapter 8, 178-184).
Annotate this passage carefully by writing margin notes and reading every single line
carefully. Form an interpretation of what this passage means. What is the
significance of the white peacock and how does it serve as a metaphor for something
greater? How do Guitar and Milkman’s comments on the peacock reflect who they
are more broadly? How does this conversation contribute to the meaning of Part I
as a whole? What lingering questions do you still have about the passage that you
want to ask your seminar group?
3. Conduct a close reading of Lena’s speech to her brother (Chapter 9, 211-216).
Annotate this passage carefully by writing margin notes and reading every single line
carefully. Form an interpretation of what this passage means. What does this
speech reveal about Lena, Milkman, and the Dead family? How does this
conversation contribute to the meaning of Part I as a whole? Why does Morrison
end Part I with this speech? What lingering questions do you still have about the
passage that you want to ask your seminar group?
Part II. Big Picture Questions
4. Morrison draws heavily upon biblical imagery in Song of Solomon Part I. Make sure
you know all of the following biblical allusions. Look up the ones you do not know
and take notes only on the ones you do not know so you can remember them. Get
the general overview. Don’t get bogged down with the details.
a) Story of Ruth (Old Testament)
b) Story of Hagar (Old Testament)
c) Book of Song of Solomon (Old Testament)
d) Story of Pilate (New Testament)
e) Story of Mary Magdalene (New Testament)
f) Book of First Corinthians and Second Corinthians in the New Testament:
historical context and special attention to the First Corinthians Chapter 13 which
is often known as the love chapter (New Testament)
5. Why does Morrison draw upon biblical allusions in Part I of Song of Solomon? How
does she use the biblical allusions? In other words, what literary function do these
allusions play? To what extent does she use them literally, ironically, playfully, etc.?
How do they contribute meaning to the novel so far? Provide supporting quotes.
6. In Part I of Song of Solomon, Morrison creates distinctly different kinds of black men
in Macon Dead Senior, Dr. Foster (Ruth’s father), Macon Dead Junior, Milkman Dead,
and Guitar Bains. What does each man represent about black manhood? What
drives each man? What are their desires? What is at the root of their conflict with
themselves, with each other, with the world? Provide supporting quotes.
7. In Part I of Song of Solomon, Morrison creates distinctly different kinds of black
women in Ruth Dead, Pilate Dead, Hagar, Reba, Lena, and Corinthians. What does
each woman represent about black womanhood? What drives each woman? What
are their hopes and dreams? What is at the root of their conflict with themselves,
with each other, with the world? Provide supporting quotes.
8. What is the meaning of Part I of Song of Solomon as a whole?
9. Write 2 additional big picture questions that you would like your seminar to
examine.