Allusions in Song of Solomon

           Song of Solomon is peppered with many different allusions. Ranging from classical myths to traditional folk tales, these stories enhance the text and establish parallels between Morrison’s characters and well-known figures. One such allusion is the Brothers’ Grimm tale of “Hansel and Gretel.” At the start of Part II in the novel, Morrison describes the tale of “Hansel and Gretel” and compares the two children’s journey to Milkman searching for Circe’s home. In “Hansel and Gretel,” two children abandoned in the woods by their parents who cannot afford to care for them anymore come across a witch’s house from which they must escape after she attempts to eat them. The story reflects an era’s financial hardships, but also a loss of innocence for Hansel and Gretel. “Hansel and Gretel” functions in Song of Solomon in two different ways. First of all, Macon and Pilate are Hansel and Gretel. After all, their beloved father is killed by racists, and they must seek refuge in Circe’s home and in the woods. Their father’s death shatters their sense of innocence and exposes them to the racism of the time; furthermore, it destroys Pilate’s and Macon’s relationship and transforms Macon into wanting the success of a white man. Second of all, “Hansel and Gretel” parallels Milkman’s own coming of age. As Milkman learns more about his family history, such as his grandfather’s hard work, from Circe, he begins to appreciate Macon’s sacrifices and feels sorry for his ancestors. In a sense, Milkman’s own innocence or naïveté ends, as he realizes how his father has a reason for being so bitter and aggressive and he realizes his own selfishness.

            Circe’s name itself is significant. In Greek mythology, Circe was an evil sorceress who could transform men into wolves, lions, and swine. Morrison plays with this myth when she describes Circe, the housemaid. Like the Greek Circe, Morrison’s Circe is surrounded by animals, German dogs in particular. Additionally, when Milkman first encounters Circe, he is reminded of an evil witch who haunts him in his dreams. Thus, on the surface, Circe appears as a menacing figure. Yet, at the same time, we know that Circe risked her own life to house Macon and Pilate after their father was killed, and she acted as a caring midwife for all the women in town. These characteristics directly contradict the image of the classical Greek Circe. Perhaps Morrison does this to provide a commentary about society’s views towards African American women. Both Ruth and Hagar are hated by Macon and Milkman, respectively; they seem to be antagonists to them. Thus, Ruth and Hagar appear to be Greek Circe. Yet, as we read more about their character, we realize that Ruth and Hagar are loving and desperate for affection, and are not in fact, evil and cunning.