Symbolism Through Color Usage In Song of Solomon essays

Symbolism Through Color Usage In Song of Solomon essays Colors bring exuberance and flavor to writing. They capture the reader's attention and fill the novel with expressive and inventive symbols. Toni Morrison possesses an extraordinary artistic talent with writing. Phrases like "blood red squares of velvet, "berry-black lips, and "jungle-red wine" leave readers awestruck from page one of Song of Solomon. Using this spectacular talent, Morrison intensifies every page with intricate descriptions of color and emotions. The incredible journey of Milkman, the main character in the novel, is not in any way simple, and neither is Morrison's writing. From the birth that was almost denied to Milkman, to his journey to enlightenment, not one sentence lacks vivid color usage, and thus gives Song of Solomon revealing symbolism, uniqueness, and an ability to amaze its audience. The first use of symbolism uses not only color as a source of information, but the words additionally foreshadow what the Dead family life will be like for years to come. Macon Dead's disappointment in his young, innocent daughters "sifted down on them like ash, dulling their buttery complexions and choking the lilt out of what should have been girlish voices." This sentence alone represents how bright and full of life Corinthians and Lena are, yet their own father slowly drains the flamboyance and boldness from their lives. Macon's lack of compassion, along with his sovereignty in the household, connects to the rest of the novel by instilling fear and sub-dominance in the girls, which they constantly try to overcome. This scene alone gives Macon a heartless and cold feel for the course of the novel. The symbol of the "blood red" roses is introduced next. Though these flowers fill the girls' lives, the red velvet roses additionally represent them and tell the story of their lives as well. Like these roses, the girls are beautiful and exuberant, yet they are also lifeless, with no emotions apparent to the o...