Psychological studies done on social groups have proven that humans are naturally inept at recognizing the correct names to a person they meet. Perhaps this flaw in human character is a reason that Toni Morrison attached unique names to her characters in Song of Solomon. Guitar, Milkman, and First Corinthians, for example, are all unconventional for significant characters, yet these particular names strike a certain identity for the readers.
Morrison uses unique names not only to distinguish the characters, but also to reflect their uniqueness and flaws. When readers are first exposed to Pilate during her encounter with Milkman, she seems to be a strong, guiding maternal figure – a stark contrast to her Biblical namesake, who condemned Jesus to be crucified. The irony, however, fails to uphold the morality of Pilate’s character after the death of Hagar. For much like Pontius Pilate, Pilate seeks to avoid personal blame for Hagar’s death, even though she has acquiesced to Hagar’s every needs and allowed Hagar to be exposed to superficial relationships at an early age.
Along with Pilate, names such as “Guitar” help the readers reflect on the character’s struggles and identify thematic topics such as the individual’s quest for identity. The image of a guitar brings to mind a fretted instrument wired with strings, designed to be plucked in order to achieve a certain sound. And just like a guitar, Guitar is capable of producing sweet music – being a companion and constant source of friendship. Yet also like a guitar, Guitar is hollow inside. He may appear to uphold moral values and support his friends, but without a solid grasp of his own identity, he exposes the inner emptiness and becomes easily dissuaded and disillusioned into joining a dangerous group such as the Seven Days. Furthermore, Guitar is the only character named after an inanimate object, symbolizing his status as a character that is often used by others for their own needs. Without a presence or identity that he can identify as his own, Guitar seems always out of tune, going so far as to attempting to kill his best friend in his struggle for individual inspiration.
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