Struggle for Control in Song of SolomonThe idea of ​​complete independence and indifference to the surrounding world, symbolized by flight, is an important concept throughout the novel Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison. However, the main character, Milkman, feels that this freedom is beyond his reach; he cannot escape the demands of his family and feel fulfilled at the same time. As Milkman's best friend Guitar says throughout the novel: "Everybody wants a black man's life", a statement Milkman easily identifies with as he seeks to escape his sheltered life at home. Although none of the characters in the story succeed in taking control of Milkman's life and future, many attempt to do so aggressively, including his best friend Guitar who, ironically, sympathizes with Milkman's situation. Milkman, his frustrated cousin Hagar and, most notably, his father, Macon. Dead. Guitar Bains, Milkman's best friend since childhood, is Milkman's only outlet in life outside of his isolated and reserved family. Guitar introduces Milkman to Pilate, Reba, and Hagar, as well as normal townspeople such as those who meet in the barbershop, and the weekend partygoers with whom Milkman and Guitar regularly fraternize. However, despite their close friendship, the opportunity to earn a large amount of gold breaks all their friendly ties. Guitar, suspecting that Milkman took all the gold for himself, lets his greed and anger dictate his actions and sets out on a manhunt, ready to take down Milkman wherever and whenever he can in order to get the gold back. hoarded wealth. Guitar's first sniper attempts to execute Milkman failed; however, the end of the novel leaves the reader with either Milkman or Guitar's impending death. Ironic that it is in the middle of paper... the lives of deceased family members; Milkman, unable to live any longer in an environment composed of animosity, pushes him to leave his home and seek out "his people." Coincidentally, although no individual takes control of Milkman's living or dead life, Milkman's need to escape from his collective family and environment unwittingly captures him and the life he seeks so eager to keep control of others. Works Cited: Morrison, Toni. Song of Solomon. New York: Penguin Books, 1987. Schultz, Elizabeth. “African and Afro-American roots in contemporary African-American literature: the difficult search for family origins.” Studies in American Fiction 8.2 (1980): 126-145. History, Ralph. “An Excursion into the Dark World: The “Seven Days” in Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon.” Black American Literature Forum 23.1 (1989): 149-158.