Women’ s Song of Lament Behind the Grand Flying in Song of Solomon

Abstract

Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon is an extraordinary work in African American literature, renowned for its rich narrative and exploration of themes including self-discovery, freedom, sacrifice and African American culture. However, behind the grand “flying” events of men were the endless lament, struggle and sacrifice of women, which have always been ignored. This paper takes Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon as the research object and explores the lament of women behind the significant imagery of “flying”. By analyzing three key “flying” events in the novel, it reveals the sacrifices and sufferings of female characters in the process of male protagonists’ pursuit of freedom and self-discovery. Although male characters in Song of Solomon achieved spiritual freedom and growth through flying, this process was built upon the pain, oppression and self-sacrifice of women. This paper calls for attention to the lament of women behind men and emphasizes that women should break free from the shadow of men to pursue their own freedom and growth. Through the analysis of female characters in Song of Solomon, it hopes to inspire future generations to further reflect on gender equality and female autonomy, arguing that women bravely pursue their dreams and realize their own value.