Milkman challenges - SoS

In Song of Solomon, Milkman faces much difficulty in rebuilding his reputation and in making an identity of his own. Milkman earns his unfortunate nickname because he was secretly breastfed long past the age of which a child is usually weaned. Although breastfeeding forms a bond between a mother and her child, Ruth’s continuation of this act, something she refers to as one of her “secret indulgences” (13), becomes almost sexually charged. This causes Milkman and his family to be scrutinized. Milkman also faces physical challenges because one of his legs is shorter than the other giving him a limp. Furthermore, Milkman’s relationship with his domineering, misogynistic, and abusive father makes him feel like he is not acknowledged properly in the home. However, when Milkman comes to the defense of his mother and punches his father into the radiator, his attitude changes for a brief moment, “Infinite possibilities and enormous responsibilities stretched out before him, but he was not prepared to take advantage of the former, or accept the burden of the latter” (68). Milkman punching Macon is significant because he was able to overcome his physical challenges and his father’s domineering attitude. Also because of this, when Milkman comes to the defense of his mother, he soon learns from Macon the history behind his hatred for Ruth.