It is not a linear or straightforward story, but rather a mosaic of fragments, flashbacks, dreams, songs, myths, and legends that gradually reveal the larger picture.
It is also full of allusions, metaphors, symbols, and references that enrich its meaning and significance.
Some tips for reading Song of Solomon are:
- Pay attention to the names of the characters and places, as they often have multiple meanings and associations.
- Listen to the voices and dialects of the characters, as they reflect their personalities and backgrounds.
- Notice the motifs and patterns that recur throughout the novel, such as flight, gold, milk, colors, birds, and trees.
- Compare and contrast the different perspectives and experiences of the characters, especially the men and women, the rich and poor, the urban and rural, and the old and young.
- Research the historical and cultural context of the novel, such as the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power Movement, and the African Diaspora.
Song of Solomon is a novel that invites multiple readings and interpretations. It is a novel that challenges, inspires, and transforms its readers. It is a novel that celebrates the power and beauty of language and literature.
