Father v. Son

The father-son relationship often serves as a paragon for manhood and bonding: a share of insight and experience from one generation to the next. However, the relationship between Macon Dead Sr. and Macon 'Milkman' Dead Jr. within the novel Song of Solomon seems more strained than relaxed. Contrary to the positive bond she shared with her own compassionate father, author Toni Morrison narrates the conflict between the two kin living in the 1950's racially insecure south. In addition to the inevitable inferiority he felt because of his color, Macon Dead also suffered from the 'disappointment he felt' for his three children, including Milkman (10). Father's unnecessary contempt prompted me to side with his son, the recipient of the disappointment. Morrison does not provide the reader with an explanation for Macon's cold demeanor, which evokes pathos and sympathy from those who share a healthy relationship with their father, including myself. In response to the lack of his father's acceptance, Milkman 'feared his father, respected him' (63). The son's indirect characterization as fearful further develops the novel's main conflict: an intimidating father versus his insecure son. Macon's unraveled source of disappointment heightens my own frustration towards him, forcing me to side with Milkman. Despite the fear, Milkman's ultimate respect for Macon underscores Morrison's assertion that young men constantly try to pursue pride from their fathers. Macon Jr. appears to struggle for his dad's acceptance, classifying him as the protagonist within this external conflict. However, as the novel progresses, Macon's resurfacing past provides a marginal amount of reason for the wall he builds between himself and his family. His own sister, who he deems as unkempt and inferior, revealed to Milkman that 'Macon was a nice boy' (40). The father's direct characterization as 'nice' foils all the previous, negative characterizations made by the reader. His sister's words provide possible pathos for Macon, and suggest that some sort of past hardship transformed the kind man into a troubled father. Suddenly, my anger towards Macon progresses into curiosity, eager to understand the background behind his hatred. After an emotional encounter between the father and son, a series of disturbing anecdotes surrounding Milkman's mother's promiscuous behavior frees Macon of his questionable behavior. The conflict between a harsh father and his desperate son soon transforms into a conflict between a man and his past secrets 'that all came back' (52). Although I disagree with the way Macon manifested his troubling memories into an aggressive personality, I now understand the source of stress between himself and his son. Morrison explores this struggling bond between Macon and Milkman to expose the imperfections within family relationships. Those who experience these family flaws should understand the normality of tension, and use it as an opportunity to mend broken bonds.