Song of Solomon

The narrative returns to Milkman and his discoveries in Virginia. He returns to Susan Byrd’s home to ask more questions about Solomon and Jake. Susan explains that she held back information during his previous visit because of the presence of Grace, who is a gossip. But now that she is alone, she tells Milkman that when her Aunt Sing left Shalimar, she left with Jake, “one of those flying African children” (321). Susan assumes that Sing and Jake eventually married. She then explains the legendary story surrounding Jake’s father, Solomon. Supposedly, Solomon had 21 children with Ryna, his wife. One day, he flew up into the sky, escaping his life of slavery, carrying his baby son Jake but leaving his wife and the rest of his children. He ended up dropping his son, who was later taken care of by Susan’s grandmother. Solomon continued with his flight, supposedly flying all the way to Africa.

Milkman is excited as Susan confirms that Sing and Jake were his grandparents, and he grows even more excited about the stories surrounding his great-grandfather Solomon. He considers asking Susan if he could see pictures, but he doesn’t want to reveal his family connection, especially since she feels his skin is too dark for him to be related to Sing.

Milkman leaves Susan’s house ecstatic, overjoyed by the discovery of his family history. He rushes back to see Sweet and tells her that he wants to swim in the sea. The best Sweet can suggest is a local watering hole where they swim. He tells her what he has discovered, but Sweet is not impressed with the stories of Solomon, reminding Milkman of how he abandoned his 21 children and his wife. Despite her negative assessment, Milkman’s joy is undiminished, and he heads back home, eager to share his discoveries with his family.

He decides to head to Pilate’s house first, but when he rushes in to give her the news, she smashes a glass bottle against his head. When he wakes up and tries to understand why Pilate attacked him, he realizes that Hagar must be dead. He understands his own responsibility for her death and embraces that burden. But he also persuades Pilate to come to Virginia with him. In sharing what he has learned, he explains that the bones Pilate has been carrying are not the bones of the dead White man but the bones of her father. She agrees to travel to Virginia with Milkman so she can bury her father in Shalimar.

When they travel to Shalimar, they find a valley near Macon Sr.’s old farm and bury him there. As they are finishing the burial, Pilate suddenly slumps. Milkman realizes she has been shot by Guitar, who was aiming for Milkman. Milkman tries to help Pilate as she is dying, but there is not much he can do other than sing as she requests. He sings about Solomon’s flight. When she dies, Milkman stands up, unafraid that Guitar will see him. He calls out to Guitar, and Guitar sets aside the rifle and stands up. Milkman offers him his life, saying, “You want my life? […] You need it? Here” (337). With that offer, Milkman leaps toward Guitar and into the valley, finally able to fly.